Child support is incredibly important to the well-being of a child. In New Jersey, both parents have a legal obligation to support their children financially, until a certain age. Read on to learn more about terminating child support and the age of emancipation in New Jersey.
How is Child Support Determined in New Jersey?
The purpose of child support is to ensure that the child’s standard of living is the same or better than before the divorce. When making a decision about child support, a New Jersey court may examine the following factors:
- The financial status of each parent
- Who has physical custody of the child
- Any income, debt, and assets of each parent
- Each parent’s earning capacity
- Each parent’s work history
- The child’s needs
- The child’s age/health
- The child’s education
- The cost of providing for the child
Can I Modify Child Support Payments?
Because child support has been carefully calculated, it is not always easy to change. But, the following circumstances may call for a modification to child support payments:
- 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 is the Age of Emancipation?
Child support payments are required to be made until the child reaches what is known as the age of emancipation. In New Jersey, this age is usually 19-years-old. However, all families are different. It is because of this that some families may face circumstances that require either an extension or early termination of these payments. An extension may be necessary if a child decides to go to a trade school or college. On the other hand, a termination may be requested if the child is over the age of 18 and proves to be able to provide for themselves. In the event of this, emancipation must be proven to the court. If the court approves, the child can be deemed emancipated and support payments can finish. You cannot stop paying child support until it is approved by a New Jersey court. Failing to meet the required payments can result in serious legal trouble.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact our firm today. We are here to walk you through all of your family law matters.
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