College Contribution Attorneys

In New Jersey divorced parents have an obligation to contribute to their child’s college educational expenses. The New Jersey Supreme Court has established a list of 12 factors to consider when assigning each parent’s college contribution obligation, if any. Some of these factors include the ability of the parent to pay the cost; the commitment and aptitude of the child for the requested education; the availability of financial aid in the form of college grants and loans and whether the parent, if still living with the child, would have contributed to the costs of higher education.

New Jersey courts also recognize that contribution to college expenses extends beyond tuition and room and board costs. These additional costs can include additional expenses such as SAT prep courses, computers, books, travel to and from school and other incidental expenses. 

When parties are divorcing, it is common to address issues surrounding their child’s attendance at college in their Marital Settlement Agreement. Our attorneys can negotiate a framework for the payment of these expenses at the time of divorce such as outlining whether the child will be required to take out loans and if appropriate, for potential contribution costs to be capped at a certain level. 

However, when  the Marital Settlement Agreement or Final Judgment for Divorce simply states that the parties will resolve the issue when it becomes relevant. If college contribution remains unresolved, the attorneys at Ulrichsen Rosen & Freed LLC can assist clients to negotiate or litigate a fair and equitable resolution.

If you have questions regarding contribution to your child’s college education the attorneys at Ulrichsen Rosen & Freed LLC assist you. Our attorneys recognize that every family and child are unique and have significant experience advising clients how to navigate these important issues. We provide representation for all college contribution related issues to clients living throughout New Jersey including Mercer County, Somerset County, Hunterdon County, Middlesex County and Burlington County.

To schedule an initial consultation with a lawyer from our firm, call 609-730-3850 or contact us online.