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Union County Child Support Attorneys

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Child Support

Representing NJ clients facing contested child support

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 Ross & Calandrillo, LLC 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, earning ability and economic circumstances of each parent, the age and health of the parties involved, other child support obligation, and much more. When facing such a serious issue, it is important to consult with an effective divorce attorney.

When should my child support obligation end?

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 attorney is in your best interests. Regarding college expenses, if you have not already agreed to 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 Us Today!

Contact an experienced child support attorney

Ross & Calandrillo, LLC 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, LLC.

Practice Areas

Mediation Services

Our firm believes that exploring alternatives to litigation can greatly benefit our client. Our firm’s established mediation practice can help you resolve family law issues more efficiently, amicably and at a lower cost. If you are interested in knowing more about our mediation services, contact the firm to discuss your situation.

“This firm and it's team are the best out there, hands down. Robyn Ross helped me through a difficult time. Something that should have been...”

– Nestor –

“Robyn navigated me through a difficult period and explained every piece of the process in great detail along the way. I know in the end...”

– Clarissa –

“Robyn Ross handled my two cases and won both, her passion and expertise was beyond a 5-star rating. She communicated with me through both cases...”

– Abdul –

“Liz represented me throughout a long and difficult divorce process. She was a godsend. Her knowledge, compassion, dedication, and commitment are unparalleled. I can not...”

– Peter –

“The hardest part of going through a divorce or separation is the children. I’m so thankful that I had this firm represent my case. Ross...”

– Paula –

“This is a great counsel team. Very knowledgeable, professional and compassionate. They also make you feel like you are their only client, very attentive!”

– Bettyna J. –

“This firm and it's team are the best out there, hands down. Robyn Ross helped me through a difficult time. Something that should have been...”

– Nestor –

“Robyn navigated me through a difficult period and explained every piece of the process in great detail along the way. I know in the end...”

– Clarissa –

“Robyn Ross handled my two cases and won both, her passion and expertise was beyond a 5-star rating. She communicated with me through both cases...”

– Abdul –

“Liz represented me throughout a long and difficult divorce process. She was a godsend. Her knowledge, compassion, dedication, and commitment are unparalleled. I can not...”

– Peter –

“The hardest part of going through a divorce or separation is the children. I’m so thankful that I had this firm represent my case. Ross...”

– Paula –

“This is a great counsel team. Very knowledgeable, professional and compassionate. They also make you feel like you are their only client, very attentive!”

– Bettyna J. –

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