College Contribution Cases

Netsquire Can Help Resolve College Contribution Disputes

The New Jersey family law attorneys and mediators at Netsquire are experienced at handling college contribution cases. While uncommon throughout the country, New Jersey does not automatically emancipate children at age 18 and frequently compels both parties to contribute to the college expenses of children. It is important that you retain an attorney who understands the law and the way in which courts resolve these disputes. The attorneys and mediators at Netsquire are available for all of your college contribution disputes.

Who Is Responsible For College Expenses?

In New Jersey, the court is tasked with considering a number of factors in determining (1) whether there should be contribution to a child’s college education, and (2) how the expenses should be allocated between the parents and the child. In addition to any other factors the court considers relevant, the court considers the following factors:

• whether the parent, if still living with the child, would have contributed toward the costs of the requested higher education;
• the effect of the background, values and goals of the parent on the reasonableness of the expectation of the child for higher education;
• the amount of the contribution sought by the child for the cost of higher education;
• the ability of the parent to pay that cost;
• the relationship of the requested contribution to the kind of school or course of study sought by the child;
• the financial resources of both parents;
• the commitment to and aptitude of the child for the requested education;
• the financial resources of the child, including assets owned individually or held in custodianship or trust;
• the ability of the child to earn income during the school year or on vacation;
• the availability of financial aid in the form of college grants and loans;
• the child’s relationship to the paying parent, including mutual affection and shared goals as well as responsiveness to parental advice and guidance; and
• the relationship of the education requested to any prior training and to the overall long-range goals of the child.

Contact one of the experienced Woodbridge Township college contribution attorneys and mediators at Netsquire to help you get through the often difficult process of obtaining support for a child, or defending against a demand for college contribution. We represent clients in Edison and all of Middlesex County.

Contact us to schedule a consultation today!