Union County Child Support Attorneys

New Jersey parents are obligated to support their children until they are financially independent. Generally speaking, the age of emancipation in our state is 19, though support may extend far beyond. Unless a couple can come to an agreement outside of court, child support cases are decided by following the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines. This formula and the discretion of the judge will determine a fair and just support structure that works for the family. The goal is to mitigate the effects of the divorce on the child. With that in mind, ensuring that the split does not impact the child’s quality of life is the court’s mission, furthering their commitment to always acting in the best interest of the child. These guidelines allow the court to take many factors regarding the parents and the child into consideration. The income of the family, the custody arrangement, and the needs of the child are the paramount issues, but there are many other factors that come into play. Our firm has significant legal experience with child support cases. We know what to expect and how to handle the most complicated family law matters. When you need quality legal support from an effective and passionate law firm, contact the child support attorneys at Ross & Calandrillo for a consultation.

 Understanding the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines

Generally, courts in New Jersey follow the child support guidelines to make a determination for one’s child support obligation. As stated above, one of the more significant factors includes the financial situation of the family. For higher-income families, the base of the child support obligation can increase as the court deems necessary. Some other factors NJ courts review include the family’s standard of living, the needs of the child, the earning ability and economic circumstances of each parent, the age and health of the parties involved, other child support obligations, and much more. When facing such a serious issue, it is important to consult with an effective divorce attorney.

What Does Child Support Cover in New Jersey?

Child support in New Jersey is intended to meet a child’s basic needs and maintain a standard of living reasonably comparable to what they would have experienced if the family remained together. Depending on the family’s circumstances and court orders, it may include the following:

• Food and nutrition: Regular meals and snacks, including groceries, school lunches, and special dietary needs.
• Housing costs: A fair share of rent or mortgage, utilities (electric, gas, water, internet), and home maintenance so the child has a safe, stable living environment.
• Clothing and footwear: Everyday clothing, seasonal attire, shoes, and necessary replacements due to growth or wear.
• Medical care: Health insurance premiums for the child, uninsured medical, dental, vision, and mental health expenses not covered by insurance.
• Education-related expenses: School supplies, textbooks, required fees, tutoring, and other academic support.
• Childcare: Daycare, after-school programs, and summer camp costs when necessary for a parent’s employment or education.
• Transportation: Costs for getting the child to and from school, activities, and visitation, including fuel, public transit fares, or car maintenance attributable to the child’s needs.
• Extracurricular activities: Registration fees, equipment, and uniforms for sports, arts programs, clubs, or other supervised activities that contribute to the child’s development.
• Special needs and accommodations: Services, therapies, adaptive equipment, or educational support required due to a child’s disability or health condition.
• Miscellaneous living expenses: Personal care items, technology necessary for school, and reasonable entertainment to support social development.

These categories reflect both the core necessities presumed in the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines and additional expenses a court may require parents to share if they are in the child’s best interest. If you’re seeking child support or are being asked to pay it, it’s important you have a seasoned team of family law attorneys in your corner who can effectively represent the interests of you and your child.

When Does Child Support End in New Jersey?

On February 1, 2017, New Jersey changed the age of emancipation from 18 to 19 years. Now, a child support obligation should end on at the age of 19, unless a court decides otherwise. There are some exceptions to this rule. If a child is in school or disabled, the obligation can extend through the age of 23. When a child reaches the age of 19, either parent may request an end to the child support obligation, but the determination is quite fact-sensitive, and talking with an experienced team of attorneys is in your best interests.

Regarding college expenses, if you have not already agreed on how college contributions should be handled, capable parents may be responsible for the cost of education. Factors put forth in the case N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23(a) and Newburgh v. Arrigo, 88 N.J. 529, 544 (1982) will determine how much, if any, parents will need to pay.

Contact Our Experienced Child Support Attorneys

Ross & Calandrillo is an experienced law firm fighting for clients facing contested child support. Divorce can be an overwhelming legal matter. Our firm works to ease your stress, assess your matter, and help you make the best decisions possible for your situation. For a consultation with a legal team that will fight for your rights in and out of court, contact Ross & Calandrillo.