Is Child Support Mandatory in New Jersey?
Posted September 12th, 2024.
Categories: Blog.
When two parents separate or divorce they must determine the division of marital property, alimony, child custody, child support, and more. Once a custody agreement is made it will establish the custodial and noncustodial parent. The custodial parent spends the majority of time with custody of the child. The noncustodial parent will pay mandatory child support payments as a way to ensure they continue financially contributing to their child’s growth even after the split.
Child support is not necessarily required in every state, but New Jersey law mandates that both parents must financially support their child after a divorce. If you are involved in a custody or support dispute it is important that you understand your parental rights and responsibilities. Reach out to a skilled Cherry Hill child support attorney today to discuss your situation and obtain representation.
How is Child Support Calculated in NJ?
Most states have a formula used for calculating the amount of child support that one parent will have to pay the other. The calculation should be fair and provide an amount high enough to help financially support the child but not so high that it places an undue burden on the paying parent.
Various factors and aspects of life will be considered when determining how much the noncustodial parent should pay. The following and more will be examined.
- Each parent’s income
- Parenting time
- The child’s needs and expenses
- The costs of healthcare and childcare
Child support is calculated as a percentage of the paying parent’s salary proportionate to the child’s needs and the financial circumstances of each parent.
Is it Mandatory for NJ Parents to Pay Child Support?
Child support is mandatory in New Jersey. Both parents are required to share the burden of their child’s financial needs until they turn 19 years old. Depending on certain factors the age limit could be extended to 23.
It is a child’s right to receive financial support from both parents so child support payments cannot be waived. Child support payment plans can be created by a court or by the parents themselves if they can come to an agreement on a fair amount. However, the court will have the final decision on any agreement. If they deem the amount too low to satisfy the needs of the child they can overrule the agreed upon amount.
Speak to a Child Support Attorney Today
During any separation or divorce involving shared children, a court will fight for the child’s best interest. It is important to ensure that the child sustains minimal negative impact from the split. Required child support payments act as a way to ensure that the child can remain in good financial standing and continue to have their needs met even with their newfound reality. Reach out to a child support attorney today to ensure that your rights and the rights of your child are respected during this process.
