I live in NJ. My spouse (the noncustodial parent) never married the mother of my stepdaughter. There was no formal agreement for college expenses put into place. She's graduating high school. I make twice what my spouse makes. Can she come after ME directly to pay college tuition although I have never adopted my step daughter? Can she come after my spouse and make him solely responsible? She is a waitress, and we are concerned because of course, she makes little money. We have begun the emancipation process because we never saw any indication of my step daughter going to college and if she's not emancipated, I'm very concerned.

Is there any type of support order in place?

Many factors go into calculating child support in NJ - here is the calculator: NJ Child Support - Guidelines Calculator (http://www.njchildsupport.org/Article.asp?AID=174).

What is the age of your stepdaughter?

Your earnings are indirectly calculated into support. You yourself are NOT responsible.

The daughter can't sue for anything. The mother may be able to sue for back support if a support order was in place.