Child support is essential because it allows divorced parents to raise their children with the same level of financial support as parents who still live together. This is accomplished by having one parent provide for the other so that the child can receive adequate food, education and shelter. Typically, this responsibility falls to the non-custodial parent, also known as the one who spends the least amount of time with the child.
What are child support payments based on?
New Jersey is strict when it comes to child support. The state can enforce penalties on parents who fail to pay, typically through passport denial, credit damage, driver’s license suspensions and even jail time. However, these payments are not always set in stone. Many factors affect how much the non-custodial parent has to pay for child support. These include:
- Health care and medical costs
- How much time each parent spends with the child
- Disabilities and mental disorders of the parent or the child
- Employment status and Income of the parents
- How many children the parents have
- Child needs such as child care and education
It is also possible to make an appeal to the court and file an application for modification, a form that allows parents to formally request changes in how much they need to pay for child support. Changing the existing child support agreement is often done when major, unforeseen events occur and impact a parent’s livelihood. Becoming disabled, losing a job or getting too ill to work are all valid factors the court might consider when approving applications.
Understanding family law in New Jersey
Making sense of family law can be difficult without the guidance of a legal professional. Many parents can consult their attorneys to help them navigate complex laws and improve their understanding of their rights when it comes to child support.
