When it comes to divorce, there are a lot of matters to determine. As a result, you may have some questions. Some of the most commonly asked questions involve child support and child visitation orders. Read on to learn more about how these matters are handled in New Jersey.
How is child support determined?
Child support is a delicate matter. When it comes to child support, a judge is working to ensure that the child’s standard of living is the same as, or better than, before the divorce. New Jersey courts will consider the following factors when determining the amount of child support payments that will be awarded:
- The child’s needs
- The child’s age/health
- The child’s education
- Which parent has physical custody of the child
- Any income, debt, and assets of each parent
- The financial status of each parent
- Each parent’s work history
- Each parent’s earning capacity
- The cost of providing for the child
What is visitation?
If you are deemed unfit to parent, your child’s other parent will receive sole custody. A parent may lose custody for the following:
- Neglect
- Abuse
- Substance abuse
- Refusal to co-parent
New Jersey courts believe that, for the most part, a child benefits greatly from having some form of a relationship with both parents. As a result, they will typically grant visitation so the parent and child can continue to grow their relationship. These visits may be supervised or unsupervised, depending on the situation. However, there are some cases in which a parent will not be granted visitation.
Do I have to pay child support if I don’t have visitation?
If you do not have visitation, you may be wondering whether you still have to pay child support. In New Jersey, child support and visitation are unrelated, meaning you will have to continue making child support payments, regardless of visitation.
What if I don’t pay child support?
Refusing to pay child support can land you in serious legal trouble. A New Jersey court may enforce child support in the following ways:
- Wage garnishments
- Wage assignments
- Contempt of court decrees
- Seizure of the non-payer’s property by writ of execution
If you have any questions or concerns, contact our firm. We are here to advocate for you throughout all of your family law matters. Reach out today to discuss your case with an experienced attorney.
Contact Our Experienced New Jersey Firm
Ross and Calandrillo, LLC is a full-service divorce, family, and real estate law firm located in Mountainside, New Jersey. For strong legal representation in all of your divorce or family law matters, contact Ross and Calandrillo, LLC to schedule a consultation.
