Child maintenance payments generally stop when your child turns 16 years old. However, if your child remains in approved full-time education or vocational training, the obligation to pay maintenance continues until they turn 20 years old. This includes education such as A-levels, college courses, apprenticeships, or similar. If your child marries, enters a civil partnership, or becomes financially independent, child maintenance payments may stop earlier. It is important to notify the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) about any changes, as payments do not stop automatically. Proper communication and documentation are key to ending payments correctly and avoiding disputes or legal complications. Child maintenance stops on the 31st of August on or after the child's 16th birthday if they leave education or training. If they continue full-time education, payments continue until they turn 20 or leave education/training. Summary of when child maintenance stops:
- At age 16 if the child leaves full-time education or training.
- Up to age 20 if the child remains in approved full-time education or training.
- Earlier if the child marries, enters civil partnership, or becomes financially independent.
- Must notify CMS to officially stop payments.
This applies under UK law, especially in England and Wales, and should be confirmed with your specific CMS case or family law advisors for international or special situations.
