College Contributions after Divorce
In New Jersey, a child who graduates high school and enrolls in and attends college is normally not emancipated until completing his or her college education (and in some circumstances, his or her post-graduate education). What this means is that until a child is emancipated, child support remains. Moreover, parents are regularly required to contribute to the college costs of their children.
In fact, of all the states, New Jersey is among the strongest proponents of requiring parties to a divorce or separation to contribute to the college costs of their children. Our Hackensack attorneys can help you understand the nuances of providing for your child’s future.
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Financial Obligations
The obligation to contribute to a child’s college costs is defined primarily through case law. Most specifically, the New Jersey Supreme Court, in its decision of Newburgh v. Arrigo, 88 N.J. 529 (1982), set forth a variety of factors for the courts to consider when determine the parties’ obligations toward college costs.
These include:
- If a parent is able and would have contributed
- The values, goals, and expectations from both parents
- The totally amount of higher education
- Both parents’ financial resources
- The child’s commitment to their higher education
- Any contributions the child can make and their earning ability
- Available financial aid, grants, scholarships, and loans
- The relationship of child to financially responsible parent
Learn More. Call (201) 580-2240 Now.
Our Hackensack family law attorneys are ready to help you. At Laterra & Hodge, LLC we have the knowledge and experience to help guide you through the financial issues associated with your divorce.
