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If the parents are forced to pay, shouldn't they, in turn, then have the right to choose the college the daughter attends, say, a much cheaper college, like an in-state public college? I understand Temple is an expensive private college.
Myself, either I would appeal or I wouldn't pay.
Does this ruling apply to just her undergraduate studies?
What would have happened if the daughter had chosen an expensive college in Europe? Would the parents have been forced to pay those expenses also? In my opinion, the judge is way off base.
As I read in other posts his ruling is right in line with their state law. If those posts are correct....""Here in NJ, when parents divorce, they are required to pay their children's college tuition."
YES! As far as I know, that is: In the case of divorce, the parents are required to pay their children's* college tuition for four years, BUT (1) that doesn't mean they have to pay for the most expensive college, and (2) they're responsible for the amount AFTER all scholarships, tuition aid, etc. have been applied.
Temple is a public university, but it's expensive for out-of-state students. The daughter apparently had two years at a NJ community college and then transferred to the university.
* Note: I used the word "children" to mean adult children; I realize they're adults at college age.
Does this ruling apply to just her undergraduate studies?
In divorce cases, the parents are responsible for the first four years (bachelor's degree). I don't know if that's what this ruling says, though.
I wanted to find a website with more info for you. And I found http://www.divorcenet.com/states/new_jersey/payment_of_college_costs
Interestingly, it says this:
There are certain situations in which a contribution to college is arguably not warranted. The most obvious situation is when a child is alienated from a parent and refuses all contact despite the parent’s efforts to maintain a relationship. Even though there is no relationship, the child still requests that parent be held responsible for college. A very perplexing question then arises. Is the child who unreasonably refuses to have a relationship with a parent entitled to a contribution to college? The answer to this dilemma is determined on a case-by-case basis.