Child Support in New Jersey

A child has the right to be supported by both parents.  Even if one of the parents is absent from the child’s life, that parent still has the obligation to support the child.  In New Jersey, child support in most cases is determined by reviewing and applying the New Jersey Child Support guidelines.  The guidelines use both parties’ incomes to arrive at a base child support number.  This number is allocated between the parties based upon the number of overnights each party has.  The child support is then adjusted for recurring expenses such as health care and work-related daycare.  There are other adjustments that can be made to the child support number.  Although the parties can deviate from the guidelines, this is usually done where there has been an offset due to a negotiated amount for equitable distribution or alimony.  Deviations from the guidelines must be disclosed and explained to the court. The calculation of child support is usually routine, once the parties’ incomes and the parenting schedule are known.  Sometimes, however, the determination of these variables is difficult.  Please contact us if you wish to discuss the calculation of child support.