Child Support in New Jersey | What You Need to Know

If you are someone who is getting divorced and you are also a parent, looking out for, and caring for your children is most likely your top priority. That being said, if you are a financially dependent spouse, you may not have the financial means to care for your child without your spouse’s financial support. For this very reason, the state of New Jersey requires financially independent spouses to provide child support in these instances. That being said, you will need an experienced New Jersey family law attorney on your side through every step of the process, as our firm will have to work to prove that you truly require this support to uphold you and your child’s standard of living. Please continue reading and speak with our firm today to learn more about how New Jersey courts determine child support and how our firm can help you receive it. Here are some of the questions you may have regarding the legal process ahead:

How do NJ courts determine child support payments?

Child support is complex, which is why before determining your child support payment, they will consider various factors regarding your life and your child’s life, including:

  • The number of children that are currently living in your house
  • You and your spouse’s yearly income
  • You and your spouse’s education/earning capacity
  • Whether your child has a job
  • Your child’s age and health
  • You and your spouse’s age and health
  • The standard of living that was established in your marriage

What does child support cover in the state of New Jersey?

Child support should cover a wide range of aspects of raising your child, including the following:

  • Food and clothing
  • Transportation
  • Certain recreational activities for your child
  • Unreimbursed healthcare up to $250
  • Property taxes, mortgage payments, and home insurance

When does child support end in New Jersey?

In most cases, child support in New Jersey is terminated once your child becomes emancipated in the eyes of the law. Generally, a child is emancipated when he or she reaches the age of 19. That being said, there are certain circumstances wherein a parent may request an extension on child support payments. For instance, if your child is planning on going to college or otherwise receive higher education or training, you may request an extension on child support payments until your child reaches the age of 23. Additionally, if your child has certain special needs that require an extension on support payments, you may also request an extension.

Contact our experienced Bergen County firm

At Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark, our attorneys have extensive experience helping clients to understand and protect their legal rights before, during, and after the divorce process in towns across New Jersey and Bergen County, including Hackensack, Ridgewood, Paramus, Teaneck, and Fort Lee. To speak with our team of divorce lawyers today in a free and confidential consultation regarding your concerns about your divorce, please contact us online, or through our Hackensack, NJ office at (201) 397-1750.

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