A wooden gavel rests on a sound block beside a brass balance scale, emblematic of a criminal defense lawyer's arsenal. These items, surrounded by books and papers, symbolize law and justice. The softly blurred background evokes the ambiance of a courtroom or legal office setting.

The Cap And Gown A Symbol Of The End Of High School But Not Necessarily The End Of Child Support Pay

With graduation season upon us, a common question received by family law attorneys is relative to the impact of a child’s graduation on child support. Child support payments do not automatically terminate when a child graduates from high school. While many states have automatic emancipation at eighteen, New Jersey is not one of those states. A child is not deemed emancipated in New Jersey until he or she is no longer under the sphere of his or her parents’ influence. As such, if a child attends college or trade school, child support payments will continue. On the other hand, if the child graduates from high school and becomes employed and self-supporting, child support may terminate. Grey areas arise when a child graduates from high school, does not attend college, but continues to reside with one of the parents. In this case, a court will need to make factual determinations as to whether emancipation is warranted.

Also, in many cases, when a child graduates from high school and then moves on to college, the amount of child support may change. For child support orders that are based on the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines, it is important to note that the Child Support Guidelines do not contemplate the needs of children past high school. Therefore, it may be necessary to recalculate child support based upon the actual needs and budget of the college student. When determining whether your child is ripe for emancipation, it is important to consult with an experienced family law attorney, as there are various legal considerations. Posted by Robyn E. Ross, Esq.

Get to know Townsend Tomaio & Newmark
Play Button
video thumbnail
What Are The First Steps in Getting a Divorce in New Jersey? | NJ Divorce and Family Law Attorneys
Play Button
video thumbnail
How Do Courts Decide on Custody? | NJ Divorce and Family Law Attorneys
Play Button
video thumbnail
Is Mediation Cheaper Than a Litigated Divorce? | NJ Divorce and Family Law Attorneys
Play Button
video thumbnail
How Child Support is calculated | NJ Divorce and Family Law Attorneys
Play Button
video thumbnail
Determining Alimony | NJ Divorce and Family Law Attorneys
Play Button
video thumbnail
How Can I Prevent My Spouse From Moving With My Child Out of State? | NJ Family Law Attorneys
Play Button
video thumbnail
Final Restraining Order | NJ Divorce and Family Law Attorneys
View More videos
In Our Community
Logo for Community Soup Kitchen and Outreach Center Inc. featuring a stylized orange soup bowl with steam. Text reads: Logo of the Randolph Education Foundation (REF) featuring an open book with stylized pages, symbolizing knowledge and guidance, next to the text The logo of Mayo Performing Arts Center showcases a purple stylized Logo of JBWS with two overlapping hands, featuring the text Logo for Interfaith Food Pantry Serving Morris County, featuring a red apple icon on the left, symbolizing nourishment and community support akin to how family law attorneys provide guidance in strengthening family foundations.Logo for CASA of Middlesex County, Inc. It features a blue figure with a heart overhead, symbolizing care and protection, and the text “Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children” below. Perfectly aligning with the mission similar to Family Law Attorneys in safeguarding children's rights.
Website Designed & Managed by
Accel Marketing Solutions