New Jersey Child Support

How is Child Support Calculated in New Jersey?

Under New Jersey law, children have a right to financial support from both parents, regardless of the parents’ relationship status.  How child support is calculated is according to a formula known as the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines. The Child Support guidelines take much into consideration when calculating the support amount, but the two primary considerations are income and custody arrangements. 

There are two different worksheets that can be used when dealing with the custody side of things. The first, is the sole parenting worksheet which is used when one parent has all the time or greater than 78% of the overnights with the child or children. The second worksheet is the shared parenting worksheet which is used when one parent has at least two overnights per week with the child or children under the regular schedule. 

For purposes of income, the Child Support Guidelines consider all earned or unearned income. This can include:

  • Salary and wages
  • Tips
  • Commissions
  • Interest
  • Dividends
  • Bonuses
  • Alimony payments
  • Lawsuit settlements
  • Worker’s compensation
  • Unemployment benefits
  • Severance pay
  • Gambling winnings.
  • Pensions
  • Rent received

The amount of child support that will be owed, as calculated by the guidelines, is presumed by the New Jersey Courts to be the correct amount. However, there are circumstances where though there may be a deviation from the Child Support Guidelines.  Examples of these circumstances can include special education expenses of the children, or special needs of the child or children for a mental or physical disability.  

Is a Child Support Amount Modifiable? 

Child support can be modified in limited circumstances. In order to qualify for a modification of the child support order, the parent requesting the modification must show that they are experiencing “changed circumstances” that are permanent, substantial, and unanticipated. This can include an increased cost of living, the losing a stable living accommodation, an increase or decrease in income, just to name a few examples. 

Do you have additional questions about child support? Each case is different. Let’s discuss your options during a Free Consultation

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. This website is designed to provide general information only, and does not represent the opinions of The Law Offices of Sylvia Costantino, LLC attorneys. The information is not guaranteed to be correct, complete or up to date with recent legal developments, verdicts or settlements. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your specific facts/circumstances/case. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and emails, but note that contacting us alone does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you would like advice regarding your individual situation, you should contact The Law Offices of Sylvia Costantino, LLC. to schedule a consultation to obtain legal advice. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.
 
No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.