Parents often expect child support to end after high school. In New Jersey, that is not always the case. Child support generally ends at age 19 unless a court order, written agreement or legal exception allows it to continue. One common exception applies when a child attends a full-time postsecondary program.
How support can continue past 19
A parent may request continuation of support if the student is enrolled full time in college, vocational school, graduate school or another qualifying postsecondary program. The request must include proof of student status, such as:
- Proof of full-time enrollment
- Expected graduation date (must be before age 23)
- Any existing order or agreement that sets a different termination date
- Other information requested in the continuation notice, which may include verification of credit hours or official academic transcripts
These records help show whether the child still qualifies for support while attending school.
College costs are a separate issue
Continuing child support is not the same as deciding who pays for college costs. In some cases, a New Jersey court may also consider whether each parent should contribute to tuition, board or related education expenses.
Under the landmark case Newburgh v. Arrigo, courts may consider several factors, including each parent’s ability to pay, the student’s educational goals, available financial aid, the child’s aptitude and the relationship between the child and the paying parent. College contribution is not automatic in every situation.
Responding to a termination notice
In cases handled through Probation, the Probation Division and the state child support agency usually send notices before support is scheduled to end. They typically send the first notice about six months before the proposed termination date and a second notice at least 90 days before that date.
If the parent receiving support does not submit a continuation request, the second notice may serve as a final reminder before support ends. Missing the deadline may lead to termination of the support order. The parent may then need to ask the Family Division of the Superior Court to review the issue.
Moving from high school to college does not automatically end every support obligation in New Jersey. It also does not mean support continues without action. If you have questions about your specific child support order, getting legal guidance may help you understand your options.
