Residency Disputes

School Residency Dispute Lawyer for New Jersey Families

If your child has been denied public school enrollment — or if your district is threatening removal due to a residency investigation — you need legal help now. New Jersey law entitles children to attend public school tuition-free in the district where they live. But when school officials dispute that, they can move quickly to disenroll your child, demand thousands in tuition, or even refer your case to law enforcement.

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we represent parents and guardians in K–12 residency disputes across New Jersey — including Cherry Hill, Camden, Trenton, and Gloucester County. Whether your child is being accused of “illegal attendance” or your living situation has changed, we intervene early to protect your child’s right to stay in school.

In many cases, we can also represent out-of-district students and families dealing with temporary housing, custody issues, or McKinney-Vento eligibility.

Common K–12 Residency Disputes in New Jersey

We represent families facing:

• Enrollment denials due to unclear housing or guardianship
• Mid-year removals for suspected non-residency
• Tuition demands for alleged “unlawful attendance”
• Investigations triggered by anonymous tips or neighbor complaints
• Disputes over living with relatives or friends in-district
• Challenges involving custody changes or informal guardianship
• Rights under the McKinney-Vento Act for students experiencing homelessness or housing instability

No matter the situation, your child has the right to an education — and we’re here to make sure that right is honored.

How Districts Handle Residency — and Why You Need a Lawyer

New Jersey school districts are under pressure to monitor attendance and residency. In doing so, they often:

• Hire private investigators to follow or film families
• Send “residency officers” to interrogate students without notice
• Demand leases, utility bills, and notarized affidavits within 48 hours
• Accuse families of fraud without proof
• Deny enrollment to children living with grandparents, aunts/uncles, or friends

Unfortunately, many families don’t realize they can challenge a denial or removal. In fact, under New Jersey law, you have the right to appeal a district’s residency determination — and in many cases, your child can stay enrolled while the case is pending.

We act quickly to assert that right and protect your child from unnecessary disruption.

What We Do in a School Residency Case

Ratliff Jackson LLP provides comprehensive legal support in K–12 residency disputes:

• Appealing district residency findings under N.J.A.C. 6A:22
• Gathering proof of residency or legal custodianship
• Demanding immediate re-enrollment under McKinney-Vento or hardship protections
• Negotiating tuition demands or preventing tuition liability
• Advising on guardianship affidavits, court orders, and emergency placement

We also defend families wrongly accused of education fraud or misrepresenting residency — and protect against threats of referral to law enforcement or DYFS.

We Represent Families in Situations Like:

• Your child lives with you in a temporary or shared housing arrangement
• Your child lives with a relative in a different town for stability or medical reasons
• You’re separated or divorced, and the child splits time between households
• You’ve recently moved, and the school refuses to accept your documents
• You were told you have “no right to appeal” or must withdraw immediately

You don’t need to face a school district alone. We handle the law — so you can focus on your child’s education and well-being.

Act Fast — You May Only Have 10 Days to Appeal

New Jersey residency cases move fast. If your child has been denied enrollment or ordered to withdraw, you may have just 10 days to appeal under state regulations.

Call Ratliff Jackson LLP at 856-209-3111 or contact us securely online. We’ll respond immediately and take urgent legal action to protect your child’s education.

Frequently Asked Questions About K–12 Residency Disputes

Can the school kick my child out mid-year?

Only after following state procedures — including written notice and an opportunity to appeal. In many cases, your child can stay in school during the appeal process.

What if we’re temporarily living with family?

That still counts as residency if the arrangement is for a regular night-time sleep location and not purely for school enrollment. We’ll help document the situation and assert your child’s right to attend.

I was told I have to pay thousands in tuition — is that legal?

Only if the district proves your child attended without eligibility and you had knowledge and intent to defraud. Many families are wrongly billed. We can fight or reduce these claims.

Does my child have to testify or be interviewed?

Not without protections. We push back when districts question students without parental notice, especially when it’s coercive, intimidating, or misleading.

What if we’re in a shelter, hotel, or moving often?

Your child is likely covered under the McKinney-Vento Act, which gives students the right to stay in their current school — with transportation — even without a fixed address. We ensure districts follow the law.