New Jersey Child Support Attorneys

Child support is an important legal obligation in New Jersey that directly impacts parents and children after a divorce or separation. Its purpose is to provide financial stability for the child, meeting their needs even when parents live in separate households. This can include basic necessities like food, shelter, clothing, education, and other needs like healthcare and extracurricular activities.

Zeigler Law Group, LLC is well-versed in New Jersey child support laws and will assist in navigating the legal challenges that arise during child support cases. With our legal guidance, parents can protect their interests and help their children receive the appropriate financial support.

What Factors Determine Child Support in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, child support is calculated using state guidelines. The primary factors include:

• The income of both parents.
• The number of children in need of support.
• The cost of the child’s basic needs.

Additional factors may include healthcare costs, childcare expenses, and educational costs. If a child has special needs, the support order may reflect additional expenses related to medical care or educational accommodations.

The court may also consider whether one parent has custody of the child for more time than the other, which can affect the payment amounts. While the state guidelines offer a framework for calculating child support, the court can deviate from these guidelines if there are unique circumstances.

Can Child Support Orders Be Modified in New Jersey?

Our New Jersey child support lawyers will help you modify a child support order if there is a notable change in circumstances. A parent can request a modification if their financial situation has substantially changed, whether due to a job loss, a promotion, a decrease in income, or an increase in the child’s needs. However, modifications are not granted automatically. The parent seeking the change must demonstrate to the court that the circumstances have changed to such a degree that the existing support order is no longer fair or adequate.

Modifying a child support order involves filing a motion with the family court and providing documentation of the changed circumstances. The court will review the motion and decide whether the modification is warranted. We recommend acting quickly when a significant change occurs, as a modification will not apply retroactively. The new amount will take effect only when the motion is filed.

How Is Child Support Enforced in New Jersey?

New Jersey courts take child support enforcement seriously. If a parent fails to make payments, the court can garnish wages, suspend driver’s or professional licenses, and even issue a bench warrant for arrest. Other actions may include seizing tax refunds or placing a lien on property.

These measures aim to ensure compliance and meet the child’s financial needs. You can file a motion to enforce the order if you are not receiving payments. If financial hardship prevents you from paying, it is better to request a modification than risk falling behind.

What Happens When a Parent Is Unemployed or Underemployed?

New Jersey courts will not automatically reduce child support if a parent is unemployed or underemployed. Parents are expected to seek employment and contribute financially. If a parent is intentionally underemployed to avoid payments, the court may assign an income level based on their potential earnings.

In cases of involuntary unemployment, such as a layoff or disability, a parent can request a modification but must provide evidence of their financial situation. It is important to continue making payments while the modification request is processed to avoid penalties.

How Long Does Child Support Last in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, child support typically continues until the child reaches the age of 19. However, under certain circumstances, child support may be extended beyond that age. This can occur if the child is still in high school, attending college, or has special needs that require continued support.

Parents can also agree to extend child support beyond 19 through mutual consent, particularly in cases where higher education expenses are involved. The court may issue a separate order requiring a parent to contribute to college or other post-secondary education costs. Child support obligations will typically end if the child is emancipated before the age of 19, such as by getting married or joining the military.

Can College Expenses Be Included in Child Support?

In New Jersey, child support does not automatically cover college expenses. However, if reasonable and in the child’s best interests, the court may require one or both parents to contribute to these costs. Several factors are considered when determining whether parents must contribute to college expenses, including the financial resources of both parents, the child’s academic performance, and the availability of financial aid or scholarships.

Parents are often encouraged to agree on college costs, but if they cannot, the court will make the decision based on the evidence presented. It is important to note that the court’s decision regarding college expenses is separate from the standard child support order and may result in additional financial obligations for the parent(s) involved.

How Can Zeigler Law Group, LLC Help With My New Jersey Child Support Case?

Zeigler Law Group, LLC provides comprehensive legal services in child support cases, offering clear guidance on calculating, modifying, and enforcing child support orders. Whether you are seeking to establish child support for the first time, need to modify an existing order, or require assistance with enforcing payments, our New Jersey child support lawyers will help you understand your rights and responsibilities under New Jersey law.

The New Jersey Child Support Lawyers at Zeigler Law Group, LLC Will Protect Your Family’s Best Interests

Zeigler Law Group, LLC is here to help if you are dealing with a child support issue. The experienced New Jersey child support lawyers will guide you through the legal process, whether you need assistance establishing, modifying, or enforcing child support. For a consultation, call 732-361-4827 or submit our online form. Located in Toms River, Red Bank, Princeton, and Mount Laurel, New Jersey, we serve clients in Ocean County, Monmouth County, Mercer County, and Burlington County.