My step-son is turning 18 in April and will graduate from high school in June. My husband's support agreement does not give a termination to his support payments. It does, however, state that he must have a life insurance policy on himself with his son as the beneficiary until his son reaches the age of emancipation. His son's mother has stated that he is responsible for half of the college tuition. There is nothing stated in the agreement regarding college tuition, or support through his college years. Both my husband and his son live in NJ. Can anyone tell me our financial obligations?

My step-son is turning 18 in April and will graduate from high school in June. My husband's support agreement does not give a termination to his support payments. It does, however, state that he must have a life insurance policy on himself with his son as the beneficiary until his son reaches the age of emancipation. His son's mother has stated that he is responsible for half of the college tuition. There is nothing stated in the agreement regarding college tuition, or support through his college years. Both my husband and his son live in NJ. Can anyone tell me our financial obligations?


Here is NJ law: "There is no fixed age in New Jersey when support stops. Once your child turns 18 and/or becomes financially independent, either you or the other parent must file papers with the court asking that the order be terminated or adjusted. This is known as "emancipation." Based on the facts, the court will decide if the child still needs support from the parents. Generally, the court presumes that children under 18 need support from their parents. In some cases, support may continue through college or longer. Support may terminate automatically if your current order specifies a date, age or circumstance when support stops."

Child Support Emancipation, NJ Emancipation, New Jersey Emancipation (http://www.njchildsupport.org/Article.asp?AID=51)