In situations where one parent has primary or full custody of a child, the non-custodial parent may be required to pay child support to financially contribute to their child’s upbringing. There are many different factors that determine how much a non-custodial parent might owe. Many parents in situations like these wonder if remarriage could possibly affect their child support arrangements. Thankfully, our knowledgeable law firm has all the answers you need! To learn more about this, continue reading or contact one of our Child Custody Attorneys in Bergen County, NJ for individualized legal counseling.
DOES REMARRIAGE IMPACT CHILD SUPPORT?
It really depends. In general, remarriage alone isn’t going to change your child support arrangements. The only person responsible for paying child support is the obligator (non-custodial parent). A parent’s new spouse has no liability for paying support for a child that isn’t theirs. That being said, marriage can have a substantial impact on a person’s financial status since spouses often share property and assets. If remarriage causes the obligator’s household income to rise drastically, they could be asked to pay more in child support. The goal is to ensure that the child has the highest quality of life they possibly can. If the custodial parent gets remarried, this likely won’t impact child support too much.
HOW IS CHILD SUPPORT CALCULATED IN NEW JERSEY?
The calculation process is actually pretty complicated. You’ll likely need help from a legal professional to determine the exact amount you’ll owe or receive for child support. You’ll need to reference the child support worksheet, which is available on the New Jersey government’s website. When calculating child support, the following factors come into play:
- The needs of the child
- Each parent’s adjusted net income
- Taxes and deductions
- How many overnights each parent has the child
- Health insurance costs
- Other special factors such as extracurricular activities
HOW CAN I MODIFY MY SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS?
The only way to legally change your child support arrangements is by requesting the change in family court. A judge will have to approve before any alterations are made. You’ll need to showcase how the proposed modifications would benefit the child. In New Jersey, child support arrangements are always decided in the best interests of the child.
Are you seeking to alter your child support agreement in New Jersey? If so, you might want to speak with a dedicated family law attorney who can help you to determine your best options moving forward. Thankfully, our highly experienced legal team is on your side! Contact Townsend, Tomaio, & Newmark today for an initial consultation.
