New Jersey Assembly Bill A2130

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/7/22

Caption

Regulates the authority of the court to make provision for the educational expenses of an unemancipated child in certain instances involving child support.

Impact

This bill seeks to amend existing New Jersey statutes to specify that courts must examine a range of factors when deciding on educational contributions. It stipulates that if parents agree on financial responsibilities, the court will generally not intervene unless this agreement poses a risk of harm to the child. This change could streamline educational support disputes by providing clearer guidelines based on established factors, potentially easing the burden on families and courts alike.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2130 aims to regulate how courts handle educational expenses for unemancipated children, particularly in the context of child support. The legislation allows courts to consider multiple factors in determining a parent's obligation to contribute financially to their child's post-high school education, including the child's status in educational programs, the parents' financial circumstances, and any estrangement issues that might arise.

Contention

Notable points of contention within the bill revolve around the criteria for determining educational contributions and the extent of the court's authority in reviewing parental agreements. Critics may argue that these provisions could favor a more rigid approach to parental financial obligations, potentially overlooking the unique circumstances of individual families. Furthermore, the implications for parents with limited means or for those with children experiencing difficulties in their educational pursuits create debates about fairness and equity in child support policies.