When determining child support in New Jersey, the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines apply. The courts attempt to allocate child-rearing expenses between both parents while working to ensure that the child’s best interests are accounted for. At Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark, L.L.C., we help New Jersey parents through the process of determining child support and modifying child support. Our clients have a wide range of questions about child support, including, “What does child support include?” Our goal is to provide the information they need to make informed decisions about their futures and those of their children.
Determining Child Support in New Jersey
Many financial factors are considered when determining the amount of child support to be paid:
- The number of children
- The child custody arrangement and percentage of parenting time
- Monthly net income of both parents
- Health care costs
- Day care expenses
- Other factors
What Does Child Support Include in New Jersey?
Clients often come to our office wondering if child support covers expenses such as:
- Money for dance class
- Money for music lessons
- Money for shoes and clothing
- Money for extracurricular activities
- Money for private school tuition
It is important to note that every case is different and that every child support determination is made using the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines, with the exception of families who earn a combined net income of greater than $187,200 annually. However, the courts occasionally include an award for “extraordinary expenses”, which can include private school tuition, for example. The “guidelines” child support order usually accounts for expenses such as music lessons, recreational activities, entertainment and more.
If there are disagreements about what activities a child should be involved in, it may be necessary for the parent requesting child support for extraordinary expenses to prove that the decision is in the best interests of the child involved. Our law firm can walk you through the process of making decisions about child support, ensuring that your financial interests are protected and that your child’s best interests are protected.
Contact our Morris County NJ Child Support Lawyers for Answers
If you have further questions about what child support includes in New Jersey, please do not hesitate to contact one of our divorce and family lawyers.
