Everything You Need to Know About Child Support in New Jersey
Determining the best setup for your children is one of the most difficult and overwhelming parts of getting a divorce. One of the first questions that you might have after making the decision to divorce is who will receive majority custody of the children and who will be responsible for child support. Child support laws differ from state to state, so it is important to know the laws of your home state. We take a look at the child support laws in New Jersey below.
Understanding New Jersey Laws on Child Support
The state of New Jersey considers the best interests of the child when making both child custody and support agreements decisions. Many factors go into the calculation of child support:
- The child’s employment status
- The child’s age
- The living standards of the family before the divorce occurred
- Both parents financial status
- The earning capacity of both parents
- Any individual needs of the child
- The employment status and education level of both parents
- The age and health of both parents
- The assets of the family
When determining how much child support is needed, the judge will look at each of these factors and decide what is in the best interest of the child. The goal is often to provide them with a life that is similar to if the two parents would have not divorced.
High-Income Levels and Child Support
The income levels of both parents can significantly affect the amount of expected child support payments. The state of New Jersey considers a family income of $187,200 or higher to be high income. If your family falls into this category, then the judge will determine a base amount of child support first, and then they will adjust it as needed to make up for the increased lifestyle.
Eligible Child Support Costs
Many parents wonder what child support can be spent on. New Jersey allows child support for the following costs:
- Mortgage and rent payments
- Health insurance copays and deductibles
- Clothing and personal items
- Healthy and nutritious foods
If your child has any special health needs, the judge might order additional child support to assist with these costs.
Modifying Support Payments in New Jersey
Changes to a families’ finances, including job loss or unexpected financial difficulties, can lead to an adjustment of child support. If the finances of one, or both, parents have significantly changed, then they can file a modification request with the state. While some parents adjust the expectations on their own, it is always recommended to file it officially with the court to prevent owing back pay.
Steps to Take If Your Spouse Stops Paying
You come to rely on child support payments to care for your children, so what do you do when your ex-spouse stops paying? Fortunately, you do have a few options available to you. You can reach out to the Office of Child Support Services and file a non-payment claim. You might also work with an experienced child support lawyer who can help you collect owed compensation.
Contact a Cherry Hill Family Law Attorney for a Consultation About Child Support in New Jersey Today
If you are thinking about filing for divorce, or if you have already started the divorce process and are dealing with another matter such as child custody, child support, or division of assets, you need to speak with a qualified attorney. The New Jersey family law attorneys at Cordry Hartman LLC represent clients throughout the state, including Moorestown, Cherry Hill, Evesham Township, and Mount Laurel. We understand how challenging this time can be for you, which is why we will fight hard to protect your interests, and the interests of your loved ones, throughout the legal process. Call us at (856) 235-4511 or fill out our confidential contact form to schedule a consultation. We have an office conveniently located at 68 E. Main Street, Moorestown, NJ 08057.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.