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Divorced? Who Pays For College, You or Your Ex?

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May 23, 2022

Divorced? Who pays for College, You or Your Ex?

Your Guide To Who Pays For College, You or Your Ex When Divorced

You may no longer be married. But if you have children you will always be a parent!

9% of New Jersey women have gotten divorced at least once. Thousands of these women had children in college.

The state of New Jersey has recognized the trend of parents getting divorced. As a result, lawmakers have taken steps to ensure that the children of divorced parents get a full college education. Before you continue with your New Jersey divorce, you need to understand these steps.

What are New Jersey divorce regulations that affect paying for college? Who pays for a child to go to college? What goes into child support considerations? 

Answer these questions, and you can send your child to school and get a clean separation from your spouse. Here is your quick guide to who pays for college, you or your ex.

Factors That Determine Paying for College Expenses

A court will examine many factors before deciding who pays for school, including college. The judge will consider the amount of money needed, including board and school supplies. They will think about the financial resources of both parents and the child’s ability to earn money. 

If one parent earns more money than the other, the court may require them to pay more. Likewise, if one parent has a stronger desire to send their child to school than the other, the court may ask them to make more significant payments.

Child Support Regulations

Child support payments can impact paying for college costs after divorce. While determining child support, a judge may look at a child’s education plans. If they plan on going to college, the judge may ask the co-parent paying child support to spend more money. 

Child support payments automatically end when a child turns 19. They also end if the child gets married or joins the military. 

Yet New Jersey Rules of Court Appendix IX-A states that most costs associated with college attendance fall within child support guidelines. This includes the cost of transportation and paying tuition for undergraduate programs. Therefore, a parent already paying child support must cover these costs.

If a non-custodial parent refuses to pay support once a child is at school, the custodial parent can submit a “Request for Continuation of Support” form. Courts usually approve these requests.

Partners of co-parents are not obliged to pay child support, though they can contribute. Grandparents are also not obliged to pay, even if they have visitation rights.

Alimony does not affect child support or college tuition payments. Alimony money goes toward a spouse who was previously dependent on their spouse for a living. You can face the consequences of not paying alimony even if you pay for your child’s college tuition. 

What a New Jersey Divorce Means for College Expenses

A New Jersey divorce shouldn’t disturb your child’s educational career. A judge will take pains to figure out the smoothest way to cover your child’s educational expenses. Unfortunately, this may mean that one parent pays more than the other. 

Child support will end when your child turns 19. But if your child is enrolled in college, you must continue to pay for them. Payments depend on tuition fees, financial aid, and related expenses like transportation.

Get Professional Help Today

It’s highly recommended to obtain professional legal help to get the best and most for your child.

Contact Dalena & Bosch. We would love to help you. Our family law office is located in Madison, New Jersey, in Morris County; however, our clients come from far beyond.

We look forward to speaking with you.

Elizabeth Dalena helped me through a very difficult divorce and I felt working with her was like working with a friend you can trust! Beth, thank you for your professionalism and helping me through this difficult time.
Michael Mastrogiacomo - March 2020
If you’ve been searching for an honest and empathetic attorney...someone you can trust while you navigate the difficult and emotional world of family law, then do yourself a favor and contact Beth Dalena & Jessica Bosch. You’ll be so glad you did.
Par 5 Consulting - March 2020
When you are in the painful and often frightening process of divorce, the women of this law firm bring you confidence and security with their knowledge and professionalism. They exhibit that rare combination of the willingness to hold your hand like a compassionate friend and defend you like a piranha in the courtroom when necessary. They exhibit dedication, and the grace and wisdom of their long term experience. They look…
Cindy Morhouse - February 2020
These ladies have helped me several times in my experience with them. Jessica was my divorce attorney and I can say without hesitation, she was professionally and personally a gift to me. She handled my case (adversarial at best) with grace and knowledge. A fighter when necessary. She handled me in my personal state as a friend. Compassionate and kind. Beth assisted me with rewriting my deed after my divorce…
Scarlett O - January 2020
I chose Jessica A. Bosch to represent me because she was compassionate and knowledgeable. My divorce was a long and difficult journey. During this time, I lost sight of what was really important. Jessica kept me grounded and focused on what would be best for me after the divorce. I am grateful for her help in protecting two very important financial things that I might have given up. I didn't…
Cynthia R - December 2019