In New Jersey, parents are responsible for financially supporting their children. There is no fixed age when support ends. It can extend to college and beyond in some cases. Parents can adjust or terminate child support when their child reaches the age of 19 or becomes financially independent through the court declaring the child emancipated. The court has the authority to order parents to follow a child support structure decided by the courts or reviewed and accepted by the courts. It is important to have an experienced attorney on your side to guide you through your rights and the state’s child support laws. There are several variables that go into the calculation that must be accurate to ensure a fair support structure. Contact Paris P. Eliades Law Firm, LLC for a consultation today.
New Jersey Child Support Guidelines explained
Most child support cases are based on the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines. This is a calculation that applies to families with a combined net yearly income between $8,840 and $187,200. For the most part, the formula calculates the child’s share of the expenses with the income of the family to make a fair and just support structure centered around the best interests of the child and the need to maintain the child’s quality of life. For those fall outside of this application, the matter is a bit more complicated.
In cases where the Guidelines do not apply, the court will determine support based on several factors, including:
- The parenting/ custody structure
- The child’s needs
- The child’s needs and capacity for education, including higher education
- The standard or living
- Each party’s financial situation
- Each parent’s assets and liabilities
- Earning capacity of each party
- Age and health of the parents and the child
When does child support end?
In New Jersey, there is no fixed age when child support automatically ends. It could last past 19, through college, and sometimes even beyond that. When a parent believes that their child is financially independent, they will file papers with the court declaring their child emancipated and a judge will decide on the matter. The judge’s ruling is law and parents will have to abide by the order. For the most part, children are emancipated upon graduation from high school when they do not pursue higher education and have the ability to be employed. Those who attend college or trade school after high school are not considered emancipated until after they complete their education. Each situation is different and the legal question of emancipation is fact-sensitive.
Contact a firm to protect your interests
At Paris. P. Eliades Law Firm, LLC, we understand that child support is a complicated process. Our diligent attorneys are ready to guide you through a court-ordered child support case and see that your rights and interests are protected. Don’t allow inaction to dictate a child support structure that is not fair to you or your family. Contact Paris P. Eliades Law Firm, LLC for the effective representation you deserve.