Last January, the state Legislature signed a new emancipation statute into law. The statute, signed into law by Gov. Christie on May and will take effect in February, will apply to all support orders that have been issued prior or after the effective date. This law provides a better understanding to child support payments and when they are supposed to end. Previously, the parent who was paying the support had to ask the court for the emancipation of the child so payments can end. But after February, the process has become streamlined.
The new law now establishes that payments will end when the child turns 19, unless the child is still in high school, attending college, or is disabled. The only stipulation is if the parties had reached a different agreement or if the court finds another reason why support needs to be continued. In addition, child support orders will terminate automatically if the child enters the military service, gets married or dies.
There also will be times when support will continue after 19. According to the new statute, if the child is still in school, attending college or vocational school, or is disabled, support can continue until to the age 23. At that time, the child support payments will come to an end.
Just remember every child support case is unique. There may be a time when you need to further child support payments past the child’s 19th birthday. If that is the case, then you need an experienced New Jersey family law attorney to help with your case. Contact the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone today for a free consultation.