Somerset County Child Support Lawyers

Somerset County Family Lawyers: Here for Families in New Jersey

Whether you’re seeking child support or are being asked to pay it, having a team of competent Somerset County family lawyers in your corner is paramount. Our firm is dedicated to ensuring your family’s best interests are protected at every turn.

How is Child Support Calculated in New Jersey?

Children are entitled to be financially supported in accordance with the economic status of each parent. The New Jersey Child Support Guidelines are used to assist the courts in determining a fair and adequate award of child support.

Child support is based upon the income of both parents, the amount of overnights each party has with the child, the age of the child, any special needs of the child, work-related childcare expenses, such as daycare, before or aftercare, and the cost of health insurance coverage for the child. Both parents must complete a child support guideline worksheet.

The New Jersey Court Rules contains two worksheets. One worksheet is called the “sole parenting” worksheet. Here, the non-custodial parent must have less than 28% of the overnight time with the child.

The other type of child support worksheet is called a “shared parenting” worksheet. In a “shared parenting” worksheet case, the non-custodial parent must have 29% or more overnight time with the child and the parent must prove that separate living accommodations for the child are provided.

At the Law Offices of Kisha M. Hebbon, LLC, Attorney Hebbon will ensure that the child support amount is accurate by making sure all relevant information is produced and used during the calculation. Oftentimes, custodial parents do not receive enough child support or parents who are obligated to pay child support pay too much support because key information was left out or the parties were not aware of all factors that should be considered in determining child support.

How Long Do Parents Have to Pay Child Support in New Jersey?

Child support reflects the continuous duty of both parents to financially support their children. Any children who are less than eighteen (18) years of age may receive child support. Importantly, in some cases, using the Child Support Guidelines may not be appropriate.

In instances where a child is over the age of eighteen (18) but still attends high school or another form of secondary education, then the court must consider current case law and statutory law in determining whether that child is permitted to receive support.

Modifying Child Support in New Jersey

There are various circumstances that may warrant the extension or early termination of child support in New Jersey. Some of those circumstances are as follows:

• Significant Change in Income: A substantial increase or decrease in either parent's income may necessitate a modification of child support. This could include loss of employment, a new job, or a considerable raise.
• Change in Custody Arrangements: A modification may be needed if the child moves from one parent's home to the other, thereby altering the custody arrangement which was the basis for the original support order.
• Child's Needs Have Changed: Significant changes in a child’s needs, such as medical emergencies or disability-related expenses, can trigger a modification.
• Emancipation of the Child: Child support typically ends when the child turns 18, but if they graduate high school, are no longer dependent, or get married before age 18, support may be terminated earlier.
• Parent's Financial Hardship: If a parent experiences significant financial hardship due to health issues or unexpected debts, a court may consider modifying the support amount.
• Co-habitation or Remarriage of the Custodial Parent: If the custodial parent begins cohabiting with another adult who contributes to the household income, or remarries, it may be grounds to consider reducing the support.
• Adjustments for Cost of Living: Periodic adjustments based on changes in the cost of living may be made to ensure that support payments remain fair over time.
• Educational Expenses for College: In New Jersey, child support may be extended to cover the costs of a child’s college education, which would necessitate a modification of the existing support agreement.
• Permanent Change in the Health of a Parent: If a parent becomes permanently disabled or their medical condition severely impacts their earning capacity, this could be a basis for modifying child support.

Contact Our Somerset, NJ Family Lawyers Today

Our firm negotiates child support payments that are fair and equitable for our clients. To discuss the details of your case, simply contact the child support lawyers at The Law Offices of Kisha M. Hebbon, LLC today.