Moorestown Child Support Lawyer
Child support is one of the most important legal and financial issues for parents in Moorestown, New Jersey. These proceedings can significantly impact your family’s financial stability and the welfare of your children. Complications often arise when one parent is uncooperative or disputes the support amount. With experienced legal guidance, children can receive the fair support to which they are entitled.
At Zeigler Law Group, LLC, a Moorestown child support lawyer provides comprehensive guidance through the entire process, from initial calculations to modifications of existing support orders.
How Is Child Support Calculated in New Jersey?
New Jersey uses the Income Shares Model to calculate child support. This approach assumes that children should receive the same proportion of parental income they would have received if the parents remained together. Key factors include:
- Both parents’ gross incomes
- Number of children
- Parenting time distribution (overnights and custody schedule)
- Additional costs, such as healthcare, childcare, and educational expenses
The state provides standardized worksheets to determine the base child support amount, but courts retain discretion to adjust the figure based on the family’s unique circumstances. A Moorestown child support attorney can explain how these calculations apply to your situation and what adjustments might be warranted.
What Expenses Does Child Support Cover?
Child support is intended to cover essential expenses for children, including:
- Basic Necessities: Food, clothing, shelter.
- Healthcare Costs: Insurance premiums, co-pays, uncovered medical expenses.
- Education-Related Expenses: School fees, supplies, and tutoring.
- Transportation and extracurricular activities.
Extraordinary expenses, such as private school tuition or competitive sports programs, often require additional negotiation. Zeigler Law Group, LLC works with parents to create fair and comprehensive child support plans that reflect both the children’s needs and the parents’ financial circumstances.
How Long Does Child Support Last in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, child support generally continues until the child reaches age 19. Exceptions may extend support beyond this age, including:
- Children attending college or post-secondary education.
- Children with disabilities or special needs preventing self-sufficiency.
Support does not automatically end at a certain age. The parent paying support must petition the court to terminate or modify the obligation. A Moorestown child support lawyer guides families through extending or ending support based on evolving circumstances.
Can Child Support Orders Be Modified in Moorestown?
Yes. Child support orders can be modified if there is a significant change in circumstances, such as:
- Substantial increases or decreases in either parent’s income
- Changes in the custody arrangement
- Increased or decreased needs of the child
- The child becoming emancipated
To request a modification, you must demonstrate that the change is substantial and likely to be permanent. Zeigler Law Group, LLC helps clients properly document changes and present a strong case for modification.
What Happens If Child Support Is Not Paid?
New Jersey enforces child support obligations rigorously. Non-payment can trigger several actions, including:
- Wage garnishment or income withholding
- Suspension of driver’s licenses
- Denial of passports
- Seizure of tax refunds or lottery winnings
- Reporting to credit bureaus
- Civil contempt proceedings, which can result in fines or incarceration
If you are struggling to collect or pay support, our attorneys can help you navigate enforcement processes or seek a modification to reflect your current financial reality.
How Does Shared Custody Affect Child Support?
Shared custody complicates support calculations. New Jersey courts adjust child support based on the percentage of time each parent spends with the children. As the non-custodial parent’s parenting time increases, their support obligation may decrease, though not always proportionally.
Courts recognize that both parents incur costs while caring for children. Child support ensures consistency in living standards across both households.
College Expenses
New Jersey is one of the few states where courts may require divorced or separated parents to contribute to college costs. These contributions are in addition to regular child support and can include tuition, room and board, books, and related expenses.
The court considers factors such as each parent’s financial resources, the child’s academic goals, prior family educational patterns, and available financial aid. Our attorneys help parents plan for and negotiate reasonable agreements regarding higher education expenses.
Special Considerations: Military Service and International Relocation
- Military Service: Active-duty parents have protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, which can affect hearings or enforcement timelines.
- International Relocation: Moving abroad may involve jurisdictional questions and, in some cases, application of the Hague Convention for child support enforcement.
Zeigler Law Group, LLC has experience addressing these complex situations, ensuring proper consideration of military pay structures, overseas cost-of-living differences, and legal jurisdiction protections.
Why Choose Zeigler Law Group, LLC for Moorestown Child Support Cases
Your children deserve consistent and fair financial support. A dedicated Moorestown child support lawyer at Zeigler Law Group, LLC advocates for arrangements that protect your children’s best interests while considering your financial situation.
We provide:
- Guidance through calculations, negotiations, and court proceedings.
- Assistance with modifications due to changes in income, custody, or child needs.
- Representation in enforcement matters to collect unpaid support.
Contact a Moorestown Child Support Lawyer at Zeigler Law Group, LLC
For a free consultation with a Moorestown child support lawyer, call Zeigler Law Group, LLC at 732-361-4827 or complete our online form. We have offices in Toms River, Red Bank, Princeton, and Mount Laurel, NJ.