Legal Question in Family Law in New Jersey

Child Support
My daughter is a 20 year old college sophomore who has not spoken to me in over 6 years. She has a full scholarship including room and board. In addition to an $800 monthly child support payment, I must pay $40 monthly to support her post-divorce DOG, which resides with my ex-wife as dogs are not permitted at the college. Everyone who has heard this thinks it's ridiculous. What say you?

Asked on 9/14/03, 11:29 am

3 Answers from Attorneys

Curtis Romanowski Romanowski Law Offices

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Re: Child Support

Yes... It is ridiculous!

First, the guidelines do not apply to kids who have reached 18. The socio-economic data does not apply at that age, nor does it apply to kids who are attending college. Lawyering is needed here.

P.S.: The dog should probably apply for a scholarship to be able to join in at college (just kidding).

Answered on 9/16/03, 4:27 pm

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Bruce Matez Gerstein Grayson, LLP

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Re: Child Support

I have actually never heard of someone being required to pay support for a dog. You may very well qualify for a reduction and/or termination of child support based upon the facts. However, as you probably already know, each case is fact sensitive and there are never any guarantees in Family Law. Based upon your facts, you will pay approximatley $28,000.00 in support between now and the time she graduates from college. If you did not get a reduction in support when she graduated from high school, you should be entitled to one immediately, especially if you were paying Guidelines support. The Guidelines do not apply to children in college, who are over 18. If you would like to further discuss this issue, please feel free to contact my secretary, Debbie, at 856-795-6700 to schedule a consultation.

Answered on 9/15/03, 5:54 pm

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