Child Support Attorney in Bridgewater, NJ
When parents get divorced, they are typically faced with an additional set of factors that must be resolved before the divorce can be finalized. One such factor is child support, which aims to allow the child to continue to have the same standard of life that he or she had prior to the divorce. If you need assistance with a matter relating to child support in New Jersey, it is important to have strong legal guidance every step of the way. Contact Siragusa Law Firm, today to learn how we can guide you through any matter related to child support.
Determining Child Support
On February 1, 2017, the child support laws of New Jersey changed. The presumed age of child support termination shifted to 19 years but parents could be obligated to support their children through college and beyond. Parents can adjust or terminate child support when their child reaches the age of 19 or becomes financially independent through the court’s declaration of emancipation. New Jersey judges have the authority to order parents to follow a support structure that best serves the needs of the child. Child support is mostly determined by the child support guidelines. Though deviation from the guidelines is perfectly normal, it is important to have legal representation that can ensure that your rights are protected through the process. To know more about the child support structure you may be ordered to follow, it is in your best interests to explore the variables that the court will consider when making a just and fair child support structure for divorcing parents.
New Jersey Child Support Guidelines
In order to understand your obligation under the child support guidelines, you should look at the factors the court will consider when deciding cases. The New Jersey state guidelines will examine factors related to the parents and children. Some factors about the parents may include:
- The financial situation of each parent
- The custody arrangement
- Earning capability
- Educational background
- Work history
Some of the factors related to the child include:
- The needs of the child
- The age and health of the child
- The education of the child
- The cost of providing for the child
The parenting structure has a huge impact on the support structure. If a child spends more time at one house over the other, the non-custodial parent will have to pay more to cover the difference. If the child has special needs, the support structure may be adjusted accordingly. These and many other factors have an impact on the child support structure the court will order parents to follow.
Shared Parenting Guidelines
When a child spends 2 or more nights per week or over 104 nights per year with the non-custodial parent, parents may be able to apply a shared parenting support structure that more evenly addresses the financial needs of the child. In these cases, the New Jersey court may be able to use the Shared Parenting Guidelines to conclude the matter. In these situations, the court and the family will work to agree on a support structure that lessens the impact of the process on the child.
Contact A Somerset County Family Law Attorney
Child support can be a heated and emotionally-charged topic for divorced couples to address. Parents are obligated to support their children until the age of 19 and possibly further. If you need a law firm to protect your interests and advocate on your behalf regarding child custody, contact Siragusa Law Firm. We understand how complicated and emotional child support issues can be. Allow our firm to guide you through the process and advocate on your behalf. If you need our legal services, contact Siragusa Law Firm today.
