Child Support

Child support is the court-ordered payments made by the non-custodial parent to help the custodial parent with the costs of raising a child. In New Jersey, child support obligations normally last until the child turns 18 years old, as there is a presumption of emancipation at that age. However, support can continue up past age 18 if the child is still in high school, is continuing on with their education, or has certain physical or mental conditions that require extra support. The child support amount is generally determined by an algorithm (i.e. a formula) that takes into account certain variables' values specific to any given case. These calculations are known as Child Support Guidelines. While generally the calculation will be the support award, Courts, and parties' negotiating for settlement, may deviate from the guidelines for certain reasons. 

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Some of the primary variables that impact the calculation are the parties' incomes, inclusive of active and passive income as well as any alimony paid and received (if applicable), the number of parenting time overnights, who is paying for the child's health insurance and its cost, daycare costs, and any unique tax status.

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