Divorce does not only impact the two spouses but any family that is involved as well. This includes any potential children that the couple may have. In these situations, there are many legal matters to be settled in order to determine the future of the children. When handling these matters, the state of New Jersey stresses that the best interests of the child are put first. This involves allowing a child the same standard of living that they were accustomed to before their parents divorced.
What is Child Support?
The state of New Jersey requires both a child’s parents to financially assist them. In order to accomplish this, child support payments must be made by the child’s non-custodial parent. The amount that is owed by the parent is settled by a judge through the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines. These guidelines calculate the cost of living for a child with the income of the parents. Several other factors are also considered when establishing child support payments. Through this, the judge is able to determine a fair amount that is owed in child support payments.
Age of Emancipation
When parents go through a divorce, the issue of custody comes into play. This can determine a child’s custodial and non-custodial parents. As a custodial parent houses, feeds, and cares for a child on a daily basis. The cost of caring for a child can be very expensive, leaving the custodial parent with significant related costs. It is because of this that the non-custodial parent is left with other responsibilities. This involves paying child support to balance out the child’s cost of living so that the custodial parent does not do it on their own. These payments are required to be made until the child reaches the age of emancipation. In New Jersey, this age is generally 19 years old.
As every family in the state is different, each child support case is handled the same way. It is because of this that not all support payments end when a child is 19 years old. Sometimes, there are circumstances in a child’s life that may lead the court to make an exception to the age of emancipation. In the event that a child is unable to support themselves when they reach this age, the court may extend support payments. This may be the case if they decide to go to college or trade school. It is also possible to terminate support payments before a child is 19 years old. This can only be done if it is proven that the child can provide for themselves and no longer requires the assistance of their parents. If the court approves, the child can be emancipated and support payments can end.
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If you need an experienced legal team to guide you through your divorce, contact Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark L.L.C today.
