CSG Law Alert: Congrats Grad! Does Your Child’s High School Graduation Mean Child Support Ends?
In many states, child support obligations end when a child turns 18 or graduates from high school.
In New Jersey, child support generally continues until a child is considered legally emancipated, and emancipation may not automatically occur at age 18 or upon high school graduation. For example, if a child graduates from high school and attends college full-time, a parent may still have an ongoing obligation to provide financial support.
Generally, parents may also be required to contribute toward a child’s college education and related expenses. Although there is no automatic rule requiring college contribution in every case. New Jersey courts often view higher education as part of a parent’s ongoing support responsibilities.
When deciding a parent’s contribution to college costs, courts may consider a variety of factors, including:
- The parent’s financial ability to contribute
- Whether the parent likely would have contributed if the family remained together
- The child’s academic ability and commitment to higher education
- Financial aid available to the child, including scholarships, grants, and loans
- The relationship between the parent and child
No single factor determines the outcome. Because these issues are highly fact-specific, disputes regarding college contribution and continued support can sometimes become complicated and costly.
For that reason, it is often beneficial for families to address expectations of and anticipated college expenses and support for children while attending college as early as possible.
For guidance and answers to your questions regarding this important subject, please contact the author of this article or the Family Law Group at CSG Law.