College and Adult Child Support in New Jersey: Post-Secondary and Disabled Children
New Jersey child support can continue past 19 for a full-time college student, up to 23, on an approved custodial-parent request; a severe incapacity that causes financial dependence can continue without the 23 limit.
Does child support cover college in New Jersey?
It can continue past 19 for a full-time post-secondary student. A custodial parent may ask, in response to the termination notice, for continued support because the child is a student in a post-secondary program enrolled for the number of hours the school considers full-time during some part of the academic year (N.J.S.A. 2A:17-56.67(b)(1)(b)). If the proof is sufficient, the court sets a new termination date.
How long can college support last?
The statute says an order may set another termination age, which shall not extend beyond the date the child reaches 23 (56.67(a)(1)), and the obligation terminates by operation of law at 23 (56.67(e)). So the outer limit is the 23rd birthday, except for severe incapacity.
Is there child support for a disabled adult child in New Jersey?
Yes, in two ways. A request may rest on a physical or mental disability determined by a federal or State agency that existed before 19 and requires continued support (56.67(b)(1)(c)). Separately, for a child with a severe mental or physical incapacity that causes financial dependence on a parent, support can be specified to continue, without the 23 limit, until the court finds the child is relieved of the incapacity or no longer financially dependent; the court considers the factors in N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23 (56.67(a)(2), (f)(3)).
What if the child is past 23?
A child past 23 may seek a court order for other forms of financial maintenance or reimbursement authorized by law to the extent not enforceable as child support, and the court may convert child support to another form of maintenance for exceptional circumstances including disability (56.67(f)).
What are the dates for a given birth date?
| Child born | Support ends (19) | Outer limit if continued (23) |
|---|---|---|
| March 15, 2012 | March 15, 2031 | March 15, 2035 |
| August 31, 2011 | August 31, 2030 | August 31, 2034 |
| November 2, 2015 | November 2, 2034 | November 2, 2038 |
Does the 19 rule apply to a child in foster care?
Support is not terminated at 19 if the child is in an out-of-home placement through the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (2A:17-56.67(a)(4)). Ask Probation how it applies to your order.
What does the court weigh on a student request?
Probation reviews the form and documents and recommends; the court decides whether the proof is sufficient. Respond promptly to any request for more documents so the child support does not lapse at 19.
Which statute covers the incapacity factors?
The court considers the factors in N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23 when deciding on support for a child with a severe incapacity (2A:34-23). Bring records of the child’s needs, benefits and each parent’s resources.
Can the payer challenge a continuation?
Yes. A parent responsible for paying who disagrees with the court’s decision to continue support, or who wants to modify or end it, may file a motion at any time (56.67(c)).
What proof helps?
- For a student: enrollment records showing full-time hours and the academic calendar.
- For high school: a school letter with the expected graduation date.
- For disability: the agency determination and medical records dating the onset before 19.
- A projected future end date, because the request must include one.
What about unpaid support from before?
It stays owed: see whether New Jersey arrears expire or can be forgiven and the New Jersey child support end date calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Does New Jersey child support cover college?
It can continue past 19 for a full-time post-secondary student if the custodial parent's request is approved, but not past 23.
What is the longest New Jersey child support can last?
Until 23, except for a severe incapacity.
Can New Jersey child support continue for a disabled adult child?
Yes, on a request for a pre-19 disability, or without a 23 limit for a severe incapacity that causes financial dependence.
What does a New Jersey continuation request need?
A form, supporting documents and a projected future end date, submitted in response to the termination notice.
Do New Jersey arrears survive after support ends?
Yes. Arrears accrued before termination remain due and enforceable.
Official sources
- N.J.S.A. 2A:17-56.67: termination of child support
- N.J.S.A. 2A:17-56.69: arrears after termination
- N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23: factors for a child with incapacity
- N.J.S.A. 2A:17-56.23a: judgment by operation of law
A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited New Jersey statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed New Jersey attorney.