Morris County Child Support Lawyers

Typically, in New Jersey, the non-custodial parent will be ordered to make payments to the parent with primary custody of their child. The exact amount is generally determined based on the child custody agreement, the ability to pay, and other factors, such as earning ability and the parents’ ability to spend time with the child. Whether you are concerned about paying too much or being paid too little, we want to ensure that your child support concerns will be addressed. Contact the skilled Morris County child support lawyers here at Leslie Law Firm to schedule your initial consultation today.

Child Support Lawyers Serving Clients in Morris County, NJ

If you’re going through a divorce, you may wonder if you need to hire an attorney. The truth is, you should not attempt to fight child support-related issues on your own, even if the other parent has promised to be reasonable. When it comes to your children and money, these types of issues can quickly become heated legal disputes. The skilled Morris County family lawyers here at Leslie Law Firm are dedicated to representing your best interests and helping you achieve your desired results.

What Can Child Support Cover in NJ?

In New Jersey, child support is designed to ensure that children receive the financial resources necessary to maintain a stable and healthy standard of living. While many assume child support covers only basic necessities like food and shelter, it actually extends to a wide range of expenses that contribute to a child’s overall well-being. Child support payments are intended to cover the following:

• Basic Necessities: This includes food, clothing, and housing costs, ensuring the child has a safe and comfortable living environment.
• Health Care Costs: Routine medical expenses, as well as out-of-pocket costs for co-pays, prescriptions, and dental or vision care, are factored into child support. In many cases, one or both parents may also be responsible for maintaining health insurance coverage.
• Educational Expenses: While public school tuition is not an issue, child support can cover school supplies, field trips, tutoring, and other educational-related costs.
• Childcare and Supervision: If the custodial parent works or attends school, child support may help cover daycare, after-school programs, or babysitting costs.
• Extracurricular Activities: Sports, music lessons, summer camps, and other recreational activities that contribute to a child’s development may be partially covered.
• Transportation and Travel: This can include expenses related to a child’s transportation needs, such as public transit costs, car maintenance, or airfare for court-ordered parenting time arrangements.

It’s important to remember that while child support helps cover these expenses, it does not necessarily account for every cost associated with raising a child. In some cases, parents may negotiate additional financial responsibilities through their divorce settlement or custody agreement.

Calculating Child Support in New Jersey

Child support in New Jersey is calculated using the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines, which provide a structured formula to ensure fair and consistent payment amounts. The guidelines consider several key factors, including both parents’ financial circumstances and the needs of the child. The primary factors influencing child support calculations in New Jersey are as follows:

• Each Parent’s Income: This includes wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, rental income, and other earnings. Courts may also consider potential earning capacity if a parent is unemployed or underemployed.
• Custody and Parenting Time Arrangements: The amount of time the child spends with each parent significantly impacts child support. A parent who has the child for a greater portion of overnights may receive more support.
• Other Dependents: If a parent has financial obligations to other children from a different relationship, this may affect the support calculation.
• Health Insurance and Unreimbursed Medical Expenses: Courts consider which parent is providing health insurance and how medical costs will be divided.
• Childcare Costs: If one parent incurs expenses for daycare or babysitting services due to employment, those costs will factor into the calculation.
• Extraordinary Expenses: Special needs, private schooling, or other unique circumstances that require additional financial support can be considered.

While the Child Support Guidelines apply to most cases, courts have discretion to adjust payments if strict adherence to the formula would result in an unfair outcome. If you believe your situation warrants a deviation from the guidelines, it is crucial to have an experienced child support attorney advocating on your behalf.

When Does Child Support End in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, child support does not automatically terminate when a child turns 18. Instead, support obligations continue until the child reaches the age of 19 unless there are valid reasons for extending or terminating payments earlier.

Child support may continue beyond 19 if:

• The child is still enrolled in high school or pursuing secondary education full-time.
• The child is attending college, vocational school, or another higher education program, and the court determines that continued support is appropriate.
• The child has a physical or mental disability that prevents them from becoming financially independent.

However, child support may be terminated early under certain circumstances, such as:

• The child becomes financially independent, meaning they are employed full-time and self-sufficient.
• The child gets married or joins the military.
• The child voluntarily moves out and is no longer under parental support.

If a parent believes child support should end or be modified due to changed circumstances, they must file a motion with the court. Likewise, if a custodial parent believes support should continue past 19, they must request an extension before termination occurs. Having a knowledgeable attorney to guide you through this process can help ensure that your rights and obligations are properly addressed.

Contact Our Morris County Divorce & Family Law Attorneys

Here at Leslie Law Firm, our knowledgeable and compassionate family lawyers understand just how important child support is for preserving your child’s best interests. We also understand how sensitive these issues can be, which is why you have our pledge to handle your case with the utmost care and attention to detail. Contact Leslie Law Firm for your initial consultation today.