Legal Question in Family Law in New Jersey

Re: The responsibility of an 18 year old's parent in Emancipation and Financial

From the sound of things, you are in a financial bind. Every county in New Jersey has a legal services agency which can assist you for free if you cannot afford an attorney. As a practical matter, since you have 3 months and a few days in August until your birthday, you should begin a job search since you know the time is coming where you will have to support yourself. If you wish to go to college, talk to your guidance counselor at the high school. There are several banks and agencies which will give you financial aid and you should apply for that as soon as possible. Also, depending upon several factors including but not limited to your grades, skills, athletic ability, race, disability, proposed major...(the list is endless) there are scholarships out there and your guidance counselor should be able to assist you in finding them. Unfortunately, once you turn 18, you are considered emancipated and you will have to fend for yourself. The Courts will not force your parents to support or provide for you if they choose not to. Your school guidance counselor should have information on agencies which assist in finding jobs. Since you obviously have a computer, check out jobs.com, monster.com, nj.com/careers and for education, on AOL click on the left side of the screen after signing on where it says Research & Learn and it will take you to a site where you can research colleges and scholarships. I hope this was helpful and I wish you luck.