Child support is a complex matter and it is normal to have a lot of questions about the process. Read on to learn more about some of the basics of child support in New Jersey.
What does the court consider when determining the amount of support payments?
When making a decision about child support, a judge will consider some of the following factors:
- You and your spouse’s earning capacity
- You and your spouse’s age and health
- The age and health of your child
- Whether your child has any special needs
- Whether your child is seeking higher education, such as college
- Whether you or your spouse have any liabilities
- You and your spouse’s standard of living
- You and your spouse’s yearly income
- The child custody arrangement you and your spouse currently have in place
- Your child’s needs
What Expenses Does Child Support Cover?
Child support is designed to help cover the following expenses:
- Basic necessities
- Medical care
- Educational fees
- Childcare
- Transportation/travel
- Entertainment
- Extracurricular activities
- College expenses
Can the Amount For Child Support Payments be Altered Over Time?
It can be difficult to modify child support. That being said, you may be able to receive a modification under some of the following circumstances:
- One parent has seen an increase or decrease in yearly income
- One parent has either lost their job, or, on the flip side, received a promotion
- The supporting parent has recently been injured or has developed a medical condition resulting in hefty bills
- The federal income tax law has changed
- One of the parents has recently lost their home
- One of the parents remarried and no longer requires child support from the other parent
What happens if I fail to pay child support?
Child support payments can be legally enforced and failing to make payments can land you in serious legal trouble. If you do not pay court-ordered financial support, you can face the following punishments:
- Taking money directly from the defaulting parent’s wages
- Redirecting a tax refund
- Credit reporting
- Seizing their property
- Suspending their driver’s license
- Denying them a passport
- Taking money from a civil award, settlement, or lottery winnings
If you have any questions or concerns about child support in New Jersey, our firm is here to help. Reach out today to speak with an experienced family law attorney.
Contact our Firm
We understand that those getting a divorce most likely have several questions regarding the weeks and months to come. Paris P. Eliades Law Firm, LLC is honored to serve the people of New Jersey, including Sparta, Sussex County, Morris County, Passaic County, and Bergen County with the quality legal services they deserve. If you are getting a divorce or have any other questions regarding divorce-related matters, please do not hesitate to contact our firm for a consultation today.
