Child support in New Jersey is the financial payment that the non-custodial parent pays to the custodial parent to help offset the costs of raising the child. The child support system ensures that both parents share the cost of raising the child and helps cover the child’s housing, healthcare, education, everyday living expenses, and other financial needs.
The termination of New Jersey child support obligations can vary. Here are the general rules and exceptions you should be aware of.
Standard Age for Child Support Termination: Age 19
Child support obligations generally end when the child turns 19 years old. The child support obligation terminates automatically without a court order unless the court order specifically states a different end date.
Automatic Termination in Specific Situations
Child support also ends automatically—regardless of age—if the child:
- Gets married
- Joins the military
- Passes away
These events terminate the obligation without the need for a court hearing or additional legal action.
When Child Support May Extend Beyond Age 19
Although age 19 is the default, New Jersey law allows for child support to continue up to age 23 in specific cases. These extensions are granted when continued support is clearly justified.
A court may extend child support when:
- The child is still enrolled in high school or another secondary educational program
- The child is a full-time student in college
- Exceptional circumstances justify continued support beyond age 19
If your support order includes a termination date beyond age 19, or if your child qualifies under one of these conditions, the obligation may continue without interruption.
Ongoing Support for Children With Disabilities
In cases involving a child with a severe mental or physical disability, the court may order child support to continue indefinitely, depending on the level of financial dependence.
When deciding whether to extend or modify support for a child with a disability, the court considers many factors, including:
- The child’s financial and medical needs
- The standard of living and income of each parent
- Each parent’s earning ability, education, and employment history
- The child’s need for and capacity to pursue education
- The health and age of the child and parents
- The child’s income, assets, and access to public benefits
- Other financial obligations and debts of the parents
This comprehensive approach ensures the court makes a fair determination based on the child’s unique needs. If the court finds that the child is still financially dependent, the obligation can continue well beyond age 23.
Child Support and Out-of-Home Placements
When a child is placed in the custody of another family or the state—such as through the Division of Child Protection and Permanency—the child support obligation may continue past age 19.
These placements often involve special circumstances, and support may remain necessary to provide for the child’s care, even if they are no longer living with either parent. The court evaluates each case individually to determine if support should be extended.
If your child qualifies for continued support, the custodial parent must act before the child turns 19 by submitting a written request to the court.
Common qualifying circumstances for requesting a continuation include:
- The child is still in high school
- The child is enrolled as a full-time college student
- The child has a mental or physical disability that began before age 19
- Other exceptional circumstances approved by the court
The petition should include documentation and a projected date for support to end. If the non-custodial parent objects, the court will schedule a hearing to decide. If granted, the court will issue a new order specifying how long the obligation will continue.
Filing on time and supplying strong evidence increases the chance that support will be extended as needed.
Not Sure When Your Obligation Ends?
Child support doesn’t always end with a birthday. Legal obligations can vary widely depending on your court order, your child’s education or health, and changes in family circumstances. If you have questions about child support, a family lawyer can help.
To learn more and get the help you deserve, call The Law Office of Jennifer J. McCaskill, LLC, our divorce & family law firms in Red Bank. NJ are ready for anything. Call us at (732) 747-1882 or contact us online today.
You can also visit our law firm at 157 Broad St #111, Red Bank, NJ 07701.
