Q: If a kid drops out of school at 17 does child support still have to be paid

A: Hello and thanks for your question. Child support can be a little tricky here in New Jersey, but I'll do my best to give you at least some general advice. During a consultation with a family law attorney, more information would be gotten from you such as: how long has the child been out of school? Is he or she disabled? Are they working full-time? Of course, do not get too personal on this public page, but the answers to these questions would help an attorney give you more targeted advice.

When figuring out if child support should stop, the courts look at the child and want to know if they are still in need of the support. The courts call it the "sphere of the parents' influence." So, if the 17 year old landed a six-figure job designing video games, then child support is probably no longer warranted. But, if the child is disabled or just needing some time before they get back to school, then child support will most likely continue.

It helps to remember that the courts want to know if the child can support themselves. Under the new laws, child support automatically ends at 19, unless the child fits into one of the exceptions, like being enrolled full-time in an undergraduate degree program. No matter what, child support ends at 23 with no exceptions.

Consider at least a consult with a family law attorney so that you can get more specific advice for you and your family. We practice throughout New Jersey, but many family law attorneys also offer free consults, as well. Hoping this was helpful and wishing you luck. Regards, Bari