Generally, the child support guidelines in New Jersey stop once a child reaches the age of 18 and has graduated from high school. However, New Jersey deems that children are emancipated upon the earliest happening of any of the following events:
- Reach an age of 18 years old if not in high school.
- Completion of a four year full-time academic college education.
- Marriage.
- Permanent residence away from either parent.
- Death.
- Entry into the armed forces whether voluntary or involuntary.
- Engaging in full-time employment once they have reached the age of 18 not including any type of vacation or summertime employment if the child is in school.
What the court will really look at is whether or not the child has left the ‘sphere of parental influence’. This simply means that parents are done supporting their children once they are able to take care of themselves. No, this is not certainly an endless obligation for those parents with children who are struggling to move forward with their lives. It is only a guideline by which the court can assess your individual situation.
Should you have any questions regarding emancipation of your children, please feel free to contact me for free initial consultation.
