- posted: Jun. 30, 2025
- Family Law
When parents divorce, financial issues often accompany emotional ones, especially when minor children are involved. Though both parents usually want what is best for their son or daughter, serious conflicts can erupt over child support arrangements. Depending on how old the child is at the time of the breakup, one parent might have to send payments to the other for a decade or more.
While many states end child support obligations once a youth turns 18 or graduates high school at 19, New Jersey child support can extend well into legal adulthood. State law mandates the continuation of financial support up to age 23 if a son or daughter is still in college or if they have a disability. This legal framework imposes a prolonged parental responsibility which can lead to sharp disagreements over higher education costs.
As the total annual cost of attendance at some universities approaches $100,000, families of all types face tough decisions about if and where their child will get their degree. When parents no longer live together, early, honest communication is vital to discuss the cost of tuition, room and board and other expenses at various institutions. Along with parental contributions, scholarships, grants, student loans and wages from campus jobs might be used to tackle the overall financial burden.
Of course, many couples break up years before their child is even thinking about going to college. New Jersey uses an “income shares” model for child support determinations. This means that each parent’s financial responsibility is generally proportionate to their share of the overall parental income. Between the date of a breakup and when a child is old enough for higher education, each parent’s income could change drastically, shifting the share of college costs that they should pay. As part of a divorce order, one or both parents might be required to contribute to a 529 account or another type of vehicle to address future education costs. However, a final determination on college funding might have to wait until shortly before the youth matriculates.
Rehrer & Rehrer Attorneys at Law in Toms River works on behalf of New Jersey parents in child support matters and other family law proceedings. If you’re negotiating how to divide college costs with your ex or have another issue related to the financial aspect of divorce, please call 732-279-0044 or contact us online. We offer free consultations to new clients.
- posted: Jun. 30, 2025
- Family Law
When parents divorce, financial issues often accompany emotional ones, especially when minor children are involved. Though both parents usually want what is best for their son or daughter, serious conflicts can erupt over child support arrangements. Depending on how old the child is at the time of the breakup, one parent might have to send payments to the other for a decade or more.
While many states end child support obligations once a youth turns 18 or graduates high school at 19, New Jersey child support can extend well into legal adulthood. State law mandates the continuation of financial support up to age 23 if a son or daughter is still in college or if they have a disability. This legal framework imposes a prolonged parental responsibility which can lead to sharp disagreements over higher education costs.
As the total annual cost of attendance at some universities approaches $100,000, families of all types face tough decisions about if and where their child will get their degree. When parents no longer live together, early, honest communication is vital to discuss the cost of tuition, room and board and other expenses at various institutions. Along with parental contributions, scholarships, grants, student loans and wages from campus jobs might be used to tackle the overall financial burden.
Of course, many couples break up years before their child is even thinking about going to college. New Jersey uses an “income shares” model for child support determinations. This means that each parent’s financial responsibility is generally proportionate to their share of the overall parental income. Between the date of a breakup and when a child is old enough for higher education, each parent’s income could change drastically, shifting the share of college costs that they should pay. As part of a divorce order, one or both parents might be required to contribute to a 529 account or another type of vehicle to address future education costs. However, a final determination on college funding might have to wait until shortly before the youth matriculates.
Rehrer & Rehrer Attorneys at Law in Toms River works on behalf of New Jersey parents in child support matters and other family law proceedings. If you’re negotiating how to divide college costs with your ex or have another issue related to the financial aspect of divorce, please call 732-279-0044 or contact us online. We offer free consultations to new clients.
