New Jersey – Automatic Termination of Child Support Orders

New legislation in New Jersey, S-1046/A-2721 (Turner, Scutari/Gusciora), now ends child support obligations automatically when a child turns 19 years of age or if a child marries, dies, or enters the military service.   Prior to the enactment of this law, if the parties did not previously stipulate to a cut-off date, the burden was on the payor spouse to file the necessary papers to end support. However, in negotiating a divorce settlement, parents can agree to extend child support payments until 21 or when the child graduates from college or any other age that is reasonable based on the particular facts of the case.