You may have heard the term “emancipation” in TV shows or movies. In New Jersey, when a child is emancipated, a parent has no further obligation to support that child financially. This usually comes up in the context of issues over contribution to college expenses.
Emancipation lawyers near Moorestown, New Jersey, can help your family navigate the process. The lawyers at Rigden, Lieberman & Mignogna, P.A. have significant experience with family law and helping clients with emancipation issues.
When is someone Emancipated in New Jersey?
The most straightforward way for a child to be deemed emancipated is by getting married or joining the military. However, in many cases, one parent may wish to emancipate a child to be able to stop paying child support, while the co-parent does not believe that the child should be emancipated. A court may need to step in to determine what should happen.
Emancipations are fact sensitive. Courts will look at many factors to consider if a child should be deemed emancipated, including:
- The child’s financial resources. Are they financially independent, or do they still rely on their parents for finances?
- What is the child’s relationship with his or her parents?
- Has the child moved out of the home and “out of the sphere of parental influence”?
- The child’s age and health. Those with disabilities may require further support.
- Family expectations.
The court will review the child’s interests, independent resources, current circumstances, and other factors to determine if emancipation is the right choice for the child and family.
Is Someone Considered Automatically Emancipated at 18 in New Jersey?
There is no specific age that triggers emancipation automatically in New Jersey. When a person reaches age 18, while in some ways the law considers them adults, he or she may still be entitled to financial support from his or her parents. Child support agreements for parents getting divorced can include an agreement on when a child is emancipated.
While child support can end at 19, a parent receiving child support can request a continuation of support if the child is enrolled in college. Many 18 and 19-year-olds attend college, still live at home, or have disabilities, all of which may require support from family.
How An Emancipation Lawyer In New Jersey Can Help
An emancipation lawyer can help families understand emancipation and what to expect. Emancipation requires a thorough fact-sensitive analysis, which can be overwhelming to tackle without the help of an experienced lawyer.
Alexandra Rigden, Ron Lieberman, and Melissa Mignogna are knowledgeable family lawyers with years of experience in many aspects of family law, including emancipation.
Request a Consultation With Our Emancipation Lawyers near Moorestown NJ
If you need an emancipation lawyer to discuss child support and emancipation around Moorestown, NJ, the lawyers at Rigden, Lieberman & Mignogna, P.A. may be able to help. Contact us to request a consultation today.