Establishing a long-term child support order in New Jersey requires a comprehensive understanding of the law, especially regarding future expenses. As a parent, it is important to create the support order correctly to ensure your child’s future financial security. This includes considering key needs that have not yet arisen, such as college education, ongoing medical care, and costs associated with school activities. The process can be challenging to navigate, so enlist the help of an experienced Sparta child support attorney today.
What Does Child Support Typically Cover?
Child support orders will vary on a case-by-case basis as all children’s needs and parents’ abilities are different. However, the New Jersey Rules of Court Appendix IX-A outlines the basic expenses that can be included in a child support order.
- Housing, like mortgage payments, rent, property taxes, insurance, repairs, maintenance, furniture, etc.
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages purchased either for home consumption or away from home
- Clothing, including school uniforms, footwear (besides special footwear for sports), diapers, repairs, alterations, laundry, jewelry, etc.
- Transportation costs associated with leasing or owning a vehicle, including loan payments, gas, insurance, maintenance, and repairs, as well as public transportation fees
- Unreimbursed health care up to $250 per child per year
- Entertainment such as costs associated with sports, recreational, or social events or lessons, movie and television expenses, phones, pets, hobbies, and more
These are the general expenses that the court will consider for each case.
Can Future Expenses Be Included in a Child Support Order in NJ?
Yes, future expenses can be included in a child support order in New Jersey. When there is evidence that shows that the expense is likely, necessary, and in the child’s best interest, the court will generally approve. While “future expenses” are not technically outlined in the NJ Rules of Court, if there is good cause to deviate from the guidelines, the court can adjust them.
What Are Future Expenses?
Future expenses can include any cost that is likely to occur later but is not needed at the time of the creation of the child support order. These are predictable and reasonably foreseeable costs that a child is likely to incur. Common examples of future expenses can include the cost of braces, mental health therapy and treatment, anticipated surgeries, developmental or recreational extracurriculars, and more.
These costs must be more than hypothetical. The court will require supporting evidence demonstrating the likelihood of the cost occurring. It can be beneficial to include future expenses upfront in an effort to reduce the need for repeated petitions for modification and court appearances. It can also help ensure that both parents share the responsibility for foreseeable costs.
If you are a parent creating a child support order, it is important that you understand how best to protect your child’s rights. Reach out to a skilled attorney for more information today.