New Jersey Attorneys Help With College Questions

From financial responsibility to critical decisions to emancipation

Parents invariably worry about whether and how they will pay for their children's education. If you are divorced or are an unmarried parent, the college payment issue can be even more complex. At Murano & Roth, LLC, we guide you through the difficult questions so that you, your ex-spouse and your child emerge in the best possible position.

Higher education is expensive. It is not for everyone and it is not affordable for everyone. However, New Jersey courts have consistently held that financially capable parents should contribute to the college education of qualified students.

Factors courts consider

The state Supreme Court said courts should consider the following in determining if divorced parents should be required to fund college:

• Whether the parent, if still living with the child, would have contributed toward college costs
• The effect of the parent's background, values and goals on the child's expectation of a higher education
• The contribution amount sought by the child
• The parent's ability to pay that cost
• The relationship of the requested contribution to the kind of school or course of study sought by the child
• The financial resources of both parents
• The child's commitment and aptitude for the requested education
• The child's financial resources
• The child's ability to earn income during the school year or on vacation
• The availability of financial aid
• The child's relationship to the paying parent, including mutual affection and shared goals as well as responsiveness to parental advice and guidance
• The relationship of the education requested to any prior training and to the overall long-range goals of the child.

Our family lawyers encourage parents to address this complex issue during divorce negotiations. We understand and explain current law and future trends. By delineating each parent's responsibility to pay for college, future litigation and expense can be minimized.

Call today to discuss college finance issues with an effective NJ divorce attorney

To ensure you have explored every option regarding your obligation for college expenses, contact Murano & Roth, LLC online or at 201.265.3400  for a free 30-minute consultation. We represent clients throughout New Jersey, particularly in Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties.

“Character is forged in the smallest of struggles. Then, when the big challenges come, we're ready.”
– Waiter Rant