If you pay child support, you may be wondering about when these payments can end. Read on to learn more about terminating child support in New Jersey.
How is child support determined by a New Jersey court?
In order to determine the amount and frequency of child support payments, a court will consider:
- 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 to know about terminating child support:
Child support payments can only end when declared by the court. Additionally, child support cannot end until the child reaches the age of emancipation. The age of emancipation in New Jersey is 19. However, there are reasons to terminate child support early. For example, if the child joins the military, child support payments can end. On the other hand, there are reasons to extend child support. For example, if your child intends to pursue high education or if your child has special needs, child support may be extended.
Can child support payment amounts be altered over time?
While you cannot stop paying child support, you may be able to modify it. Child support modification can be a complex process. You will be required to prove to the court that a major and unexpected change in your has life has occurred. Some examples of such a change include the following:
- A spouse remarries
- An increase or decrease in income
- A spouse loses their home
- A change in federal income tax law
- Loss of job, or, on the flip side, a promotion
- The supporting parent has suffered a significant medical injury or condition
What if I refuse to pay child support?
Refusing to pay court-ordered child support is never a good idea. It can result in serious legal and financial trouble. For example, a New Jersey court will likely issue an enforcement. This can mean:
- Garnishing wages in order to secure payment
- Working directly with banks to deduct funds directly from checking or savings accounts
- Placing liens on owned properties in order to raise funds upon sale
- Finding the other party in contempt of court which is a criminal offense
- Seizing property of the other party in order to sell the items to raise funds for payments
Contact Our Experienced New Jersey Firm
We are a full-service divorce, family, and real estate law firm in Mountainside, New Jersey. For strong legal representation in all of your divorce or family law matters, contact Ross and Calandrillo, LLC today.
