What is child support?
Child support is payments made by a child’s non-custodial parent to the custodial parent for the purposes of ensuring the child is properly cared for and not an undue burden on the custodial parent. The assumptions are that caring for a child is the responsibility of both parents, that children have the right to share in the income of both parents, and that children should never be economic victims of divorce or birth out of wedlock. A family attorney in New Jersey will help negotiate a fair amount of child support for your personal situation
How is the amount set for child support?
The state of New Jersey has very comprehensive guidelines for the amounts that should be set for child support. However these guidelines only provide a starting point for figuring out the amounts. Some of the main factors that are taken into account include:
- The income of both parents
- The needs of the child or children, as adjusted for standard of living, the increased expenses related to living apart, the child’s age, and whether either parent is at or below the poverty line
- Other legal dependents of either parent
- Multiple family obligations
- Government benefits paid to or for children
- Visitation or PAR time
- The shared or split parenting arrangements worked our as part of the divorce
In some cases, one or both parents may be able to argue that certain factors should not be taken into account for the determination of child support.
How does the court establish who is the father?
In most cases, fathers admit parentage. If necessary, child support services will help you track down the father and confirm paternity through genetic testing. Once the father is established, the court will issue a child support order.
How is child support paid?
By federal law, child support payments must be deducted from the non-custodial parent’s paycheck and given to child support services, who then pass it on to the custodial parent.
Does child support automatically end when a child reaches 18?
No. Child support can end when a child reaches that age of 18, but only if a parent successfully petitions a court that a child is fully self-sufficient.
What do I do if I need help working with child support services?
Although it is designed to be simple and straightforward, some parents find navigating the bureaucracy of child support to be daunting. It can be especially challenging to get child support started or to file emancipation paperwork. In these cases, you may wish for help from a child support attorney in Newark.
Our Jersey City family attorney has the answers to more questions about child support. Please contact the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone, P.C. if you would like more information.
If you are looking for help with your Newark child support case, schedule your free consultation today with our family law attorney in New Jersey.
