How are child support payments calculated in New Jersey?
Child support payments are calculated by first looking at both parents’ gross incomes from all aspects. Then we look and determine if alimony is being paid or received. Deduct it from the paying party’s income. Running tax effects to come up with a net income number. Then, based on guidelines, the number of children, combined net income of parents, how much support per week should this family be paying- given on their combined income. There are also credits you can receive like who is paying medical bills, who is paying for more dinner and extra time with the kids, and childcare is also a consideration.
How does child support work if both parents have equal time with the children?
If both parents spend the same amount of time with the children a “shared” child support guideline will be used. After looking at the income for both parties, unless there is a huge difference in income the child support will not be too much.
How does a parent’s unemployment affect child support?
Child support depends on parents’ income. If one parent is unemployed, or even underemployed, the court will decide the parents’ potential through other factors and figure out the guidelines.
When does child support get modified?
Child support gets modified when the needs of the children change. Those needs include food, shelter, education, clothing, and health care. It can also be modified if a parent’s financial situation changes.
When will my child support obligation end?
Child support obligations end when a child is emancipated. A child is considered emancipated at the age of 19 unless the child is still in school full time or disabled. Ultimately, child support is generally over when a child turns 23.
If my child has a job, do I still need to pay child support?
Depending on your child’s age and job, you may not have to pay child support. A part-time job while your child is enrolled in college full-time would require you to still pay child support but if your child is employed full time and is self-sufficient, your child will probably be found to be emancipated, therefore your child support would end.