Divorce Options, Divorce Solutions

Important Information On Child Support

At South Jersey Divorce Solutions, our comprehensive family law practice includes help in matters of child support. This includes helping clients understand its full purpose and how it is calculated.

Child support is just as advertised – it is money to provide for the support and care of a child. This is for things like food, clothing, heat, housing and all other things that a child needs to be safe and well-cared for. Both parents are responsible for providing for a child, regardless of whether the children were born within a marriage or not. Child support is also a right that belongs to the child.

How Are New Jersey Child Support Amounts Determined?

In New Jersey, the courts utilize the Child Support Guidelines to calculate the amount of support to be paid. This is as set in New Jersey Court Rule 5:6, and there is additional information including the actual guidelines and basic child support schedule within Appendix IX. There is a rebuttable presumption that the amount set forth in the guidelines will be the amount of child support awarded, though the court may deviate for good cause. The guidelines also are used as a starting point in high-income cases. We will always advocate for your best interests throughout the process.

Parents often have questions as to what is covered by child support. According to the court rules, child support covers costs such as:

  • Clothing
  • Food
  • A child’s share of the shelter expenses (rent/mortgage, electric, heat, water, etc.)
  • Personal care items
  • Entertainment expenses
  • Transportation expenses
  • Up to $250 in unpaid or uncovered medical expenses.

For more information on what is considered in the Child Support Guidelines, refer to Appendix IX-A of the New Jersey Rules of Court. NJ Court Rules IX-A Sole Parenting vs. Shared Parenting Worksheet.

When calculating child support, one of the factors to consider is the number of overnights the child spends with each parent. For there to be shared parenting as defined within the Child Support Guidelines, each parent must have a minimum of 105 overnights with the child. This means that for there to be shared parenting, it does not need to be a 50/50 split. In determining whether sole or shared parenting time should be used, an experienced, family lawyer should be consulted.

Enforcement, Modification And Termination

Judges understand that circumstances changes after they issue a child support order. Perhaps your ex-spouse is not paying the required amount and you need help enforcing the payments. Perhaps you have had a significant change in your finances and want to seek a modification to the order. Our experienced litigation attorneys can help you with these actions.

Child support can end in a variety of ways, depending on age, whether the child is pursuing an education or has a disability. If you need help understanding when and how child support will terminate in your family’s situation, we can help. In addition, we can represent you in court if you need to request a termination or an extension.

Get Your Questions Answered During An Initial Consultation

Our firm is ready to provide answers and guidance for all your family law needs, and the process starts when you contact us. To schedule your initial consultation with an experienced attorney, call 856-499-8061 or fill out our online contact form.

No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.