New Jersey Info
New Jersey Divorce
Start Your Divorce
Find Professionals
New Jersey Articles
Divorce Facts
Divorce Grounds
Residency
Divorce Laws
Mediation/Counseling
Divorce Process
Legal Separation
Annulments
Property Division
Alimony
Child Custody
Child Support
Divorce Forms
Process Service
Grandparent Rights
New Jersey Articles
Agreements
Attorney Relationship
Custody & Visitation
Child Support
Collaborative Law
Counseling
Divorce/General
Domestic Abuse
Domestic Partnership
Financial Planning
Foreign Divorce
Mediation
Parenting
Property Division
Spousal Support
Info Categories
Contemplating Divorce
Children & Divorce
Divorce, Dollars & Debt
Divorce Laws
Divorce Process
Divorce Negotiation
More Information
Articles Checklists Research Center Cases of Interest Dictionary Encyclopedia Encyclopedia (pop-up) Blogs
For Professionals
Advertise With Us Free Network Page Join Our Network Submit Articles Sign In Network Sites
|
Divorced Parents - Who Pays College Tuition?
New Jersey courts generally view a college education as a necessity, and the cost of college as the responsibility of the parents, not the student. Parents who are seeking a divorce when their child is in college or entering college may be able to have the same court deal with the issue of who pays college tuition at the time of their divorce. If their children are much younger and not yet ready for college the divorce judge may anticipate the cost of college tuition and stipulate how it shall be paid in the future. Children who are already attending college are rarely granted emancipation on the motion of a parent during a divorce, possibly attempting to avoid the responsibility to continue paying college tuition. But New Jersey divorce courts will consider a number of factors when making a determination about parental responsibility for college tuition and related expenses. Not all of the factors are financial in nature. A judge will also weigh the importance of each parent’s own education, background, values and goals as well as the financial ability to pay for the child’s higher education. And the aptitude, commitment and goals of the child are also part of the equation, as well as any personal assets the child has accumulated and any income he or she may be capable of earning while attending college classes. The availability of financial aid for both the student and the parents is also considered, as are the long range employment goals and legitimate potential of the student to meet those goals. Whether one parent or both parents will be required to contribute to the cost of their child’s education is also affected by the requirement to pay child support. Most courts will not require a parent to pay college tuition and expenses as well as child support to the other spouse concurrently. If the need for modification of a divorce decree arises later, based on the child’s age and/or changes in parental circumstances the court will usually schedule a plenary hearing where both parents bring their tax returns and asset information and where both parents give testimony regarding their ability to pay for college. The child’s circumstances and choices are also reassessed in the process of determining who pays for college, and in issuing a judgment in fairness to all parties. Hiring an experienced family lawyer to help you establish who pays the cost of college for your child can be an excellent investment at the time of your divorce or thereafter.
Navigate:
Home
States
New Jersey Divorce Source
New Jersey Divorce Articles, News and Resources
Child Support
Divorced Parents - Who Pays College Tuition?
To file for divorce in New Jersey under no-fault grounds, the couple must have been living separate and apart in different residences for at least 18 consecutive months. There must be no hope of reconciliation in the marriage.
|
![]() Find Professionals
Easily Connect With a Lawyer or Mediator
Have Divorce Professionals from Your Area Contact You!
|
Terms & Conditions | Privacy | Cookie Policy | Do Not Sell My Information
Established in 1996
Copyright© 1996-. All rights reserved by MH Sub I, LLC dba 3StepDivorce.