Child support serves as a much-needed resource for many children in New Jersey. Without it, they may lack the financial resources they need to provide for their basic needs, including housing, clothing, and food.
However, the rules regarding child support are confusing for many parents. A New Jersey child support lawyer can help clarify things for you and explain your legal rights and obligations concerning this matter.
The Law Office of Jennifer J. McCaskill, LLC has over 20 years of combined experience. We have been recognized as Super Lawyers for the last seven years. We also provide confidential consultations in which you can discuss your situation with a caring and compassionate lawyer. Contact us today to get started at (732) 747-1882.
How Law Office of Jennifer J. McCaskill, LLC Can Help With a Child Support Case in NJ
Many parents find it difficult to talk about money without conflict. An experienced New Jersey child support lawyer from The Law Office of Jennifer J. McCaskill, LLC can explain the law to you objectively and guide you in making informed decisions throughout the process. Having a legal advocate on your side ensures your rights are protected and that you are clear-headed.
When you hire a child support lawyer from our firm, we will strive to make the process as smooth and painless as possible by:
- Providing sound legal advice based on your particular situation
- Requesting financial records from the other parent
- Trying to reach an amicable agreement regarding child support when possible
- Mediating any disputes as they arise
- Assisting with modification and enforcement of existing orders
Learn more about how we can help when you call to set up your legal consultation.
What Is Child Support?
Child support is a legal obligation to support your child. In New Jersey, both parents must provide financial support to their children. Child support helps ensure that children have the financial resources they need, even when their parents are not together.
Child support is a financial payment one parent makes to the other parent. Child support may be voluntary or court-ordered. When the court makes a child support order, it is legally binding, and the obligation continues until the court order no longer applies, terminates, or is modified.
How Is the Amount of Child Support Determined in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, child support is typically determined by using the child support guidelines or reaching an agreement. If the parents agree about how much child support should be paid in their case, they must still use the guidelines to calculate how much child support they say should be paid and the reason why the amount the parents have stipulated to is different than the guidelines.
New Jersey uses the “Income Shares Model,” which is based on the idea that children should basically receive the same proportion of parental income that they would have if the parents were still living together. This is simply the base amount.
Additional amounts can be added, including:
- The net cost of work-related childcare
- Health insurance for the child
- Predictable and recurring unreimbursed healthcare expenses
- Other expenses that the court approves
You can also use the New Jersey Child Support Calculator to get a rough estimate of how much child support should apply in your case. However, individual cases will differ, and exceptions sometimes exist to deviate from the guidelines.
How Long Does Child Support Last in New Jersey?
The obligation to pay child support in New Jersey generally ends at age 19. However, the obligation can continue until the age of 23 if the child is in high school, is attending full-time postsecondary education, or has a disability.
The support could also continue if the parents had a separate agreement providing for continued support or if the court grants it.
Can I Modify Child Support in New Jersey?
You can modify child support in New Jersey, but only under specific circumstances. A parent seeking a modification must demonstrate a significant change in circumstances since the original support order was established.
Either parent can request the modification by filing a motion with the court. It’s important to provide thorough documentation to support the request, as the court will evaluate whether the change is both substantial and permanent. Consulting with a New Jersey family law attorney can help ensure the best chance of a successful outcome.
What Are the Consequences of Not Paying Child Support in New Jersey?
New Jersey wants to ensure that children receive the financial assistance they need. Not paying child support could subject the obligated parent to enforcement actions such as:
- Warrants for their arrest
- Income withholding orders
- License suspension
- Passport denial
- Tax refund offset
- Seizure of assets
- Credit reporting
- Interception of lottery or casino prizes
Call our legal team today if you need help enforcing your child support order.
Contact a New Jersey Child Support Lawyer Today to Discuss Your Case
The Law Office of Jennifer J. McCaskill, LLC provides confident advice and legal representation for all child support-related matters. Call us today to speak to a New Jersey child support lawyer during a confidential legal consultation.
