As a parent who is currently paying child support, you are most likely wondering when, under New Jersey law, you are no longer obligated to pay child support. Please continue reading and speak with our New Jersey family law attorneys to learn more about child support in New Jersey and how our firm can help you. Here are some of the questions you may have:
When does child support end in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, a child must either no longer depend on his or her parents financially, or he or she must no longer live with his or her parents to become emancipated. That being said, when a child turns 19, in most cases, he or she will be considered emancipated, thereby no longer requiring child support payments. However, if your child plans on attending higher education or going to college, one parent may request an extension on his or her child support payments. Additionally, once a child turns 23, as long as he or she does not have any special needs, he or she should be considered emancipated, thereby no longer requiring child support payments.
Is a child allowed to emancipate him or herself in New Jersey?
Under various circumstances, children may wish to emancipate themselves, which means that they no longer seek financial support from their parents. Your child has the legal right to emancipate him or herself in many different situations, including the following:
- He or she joined or is joining the military
- He or she is pregnant or has children of his or her own
- He or she is married
- He or she is financially independent and has a full-time job
- He or she is no longer living with either parent
If you have any additional questions about child support in the state of New Jersey, our firm is here to help. We understand how complicated these laws can be, and you need an attorney who knows the ins and outs of these laws. If you believe that you are no longer required to pay child support, or your child wishes to emancipate him or herself, give our knowledgeable Bergen County family law attorneys a call today.
Contact our experienced Bergen County firm
At Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark, our attorneys have extensive experience helping clients to understand and protect their legal rights before, during, and after the divorce process in towns across New Jersey and Bergen County, including Hackensack, Ridgewood, Paramus, Teaneck, and Fort Lee. To speak with our team of divorce lawyers today in a free and confidential consultation regarding your concerns about your divorce, please contact us online, or through our Hackensack, NJ office at (201) 397-1750.
