When a couple with children gets a divorce, they will have to make a decision regarding child support. Child support is incredibly important to the well-being of a child. In New Jersey, both parents are legally obligated to support their children financially. Typically, child support will be paid to the parent with physical custody. Physical custody is awarded to the parent who has the child for more nights during the week. Because this parent has the child for more of the time, he or she likely spends more money on the child and may require compensation from the other parent. Read on to learn more about what expenses can be covered under child support in New Jersey.

How is Child Support Determined?

Because child support is so important, it is carefully calculated. In order to determine the child support arrangement, a New Jersey court may consider the following factors:

  • The parenting/ custody structure
  • The child’s needs
  • The child’s needs and capacity for education, including higher education
  • The standard of 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

What Expenses Does Child Support Cover?

In most cases, child support should help cover the following expenses:

  • Basic necessities
  • Medical care
  • Educational fees
  • Childcare
  • Transportation/travel
  • Entertainment
  • Extracurricular activities
  • College expenses

Some of these topics are broad. For example, basic necessities refer to things like food, clothing, and shelter. But, you may want to speak with an attorney for more information regarding what exactly can be covered. For example, certain types of clothing may not be covered by child support.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child support agreement and what is covered, contact our firm today to speak with an experienced family law attorney. We are here to advocate for you and walk you through all of your family law matters.

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.