New Jersey College Support Attorney
Unlike most states which do not require parents to pay for college tuition, New Jersey is an exception. New Jersey case law provides standards under which courts will order parents to contribute to their child's college tuition, as well as the impact of college on child support obligations. The unique circumstances of each case are taken into consideration in making these determinations. That is why you need an experienced New Jersey college support agreement attorney with whom to discuss your particular case.
Over 105 Years of Combined Family Law Experience
At Shimalla, Wechsler, Lepp & D'Onofrio, LLP, we are experienced in working with parents, who are either seeking college contributions from one another, or who are opposed to making such contributions. With over 105 years of combined experience, our New Jersey college support agreement attorneys are skilled at both effective negotiations on these issues, as well as resolving your case through the court, if necessary.
We can explain to you how New Jersey college tuition laws affect you and your child. Contact our New Jersey child support lawyers for more information regarding college expenses and child support as well as modifications.
New Jersey Law Regarding College Expenses
Since the 1982 New Jersey Supreme Court ruling in Newburgh v. Arrigo, parents who have been divorced may have to contribute to college costs for their children. A judge will consider 12 factors to determine the issue of whether, and to what extent, parents should be ordered to pay for college. Some of these factors include:
- Financial capability of the parent
- How much college support is being sought
- Any financial aid available via scholarships, grants and loans
- Whether the child is committed to attending college
- Child's relationship with the parent
- Child's financial assets
Impact on Child Support Payments
Exactly how much you will contribute to your child's college expenses and how this affects existing child support payments varies from case to case. When negotiating divorce agreements, many parties provide details as to how college tuition support will be addressed as the children go off to school. However, when divorced parents did not address this situation at the time of their divorce, they must do so as the children are preparing to go to college. Our attorneys can assist parents reach agreement on whether and to what extent they will contribute, making these decisions, or by turning to the courts for a determination when agreement cannot be reached.
Until a child is 18, or attends college (depending on the situation), parties generally rely on the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines to determine child support. When children go to college, child support is not necessarily still determined by the Guidelines, and parties often modify child support to take into consideration the parents' contributions to college expenses. This is particularly so when a child lives away at school. If the child continues to live at home during college, child support may continue at prior levels. Even when children live at home, however, parental responsibility for college costs such as books and fees must be determined.
Utilizing ADR as a Tool
In the event that parents cannot come to an agreement regarding college tuition contributions, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is a powerful tool that the attorneys at Shimalla, Wechsler, Lepp & D'Onofrio, LLP, are able to provide. Through settlement negotiations, mediation, or collaborative law, we can resolve this issue without going to court. At the same time, we understand that when negotiation or mediation is not successful, we are prepared to take the matter to court to establish parents' obligations regarding college costs and to determine continuing support for children who are going to college.
Contact Us About Child Support and College Expenses
For more information regarding college tuition and how it affects child support, contact our Warren Township, Somerset County New Jersey, firm by e-mail, or call 908.922.4238 today to schedule a consultation with one of our New Jersey college support agreement lawyers.
*Two of our named partners are Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as Matrimonial Law Attorneys.
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