Ocean County Child Support Attorney

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Parents are obligated to support their children until the age of emancipation. In New Jersey, this age is assumed to be 19, but the obligation can extend beyond that and well into college. Parents who split must have a child support plan in place to ensure that the divorce’s impact on the quality of life of the child is mitigated. Child support is often determined by the formula put forth in the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines. In some cases, factors convince a judge to deviate from the guidelines. This is a complex legal topic and there are numerous factors to consider. Speaking with an experienced Ocean County child support attorney is best. The Law Office of Sarina Gianna, LLC provides New Jersey with quality legal support regarding all family law matters. If you are in need of a zealous advocate, contact the Law Office of Sarina Gianna, LLC.

What Expenses Does Child Support Cover in NJ?

This is one of the most common questions our firm receives, and understandably so. New Jersey has child support guidelines in place to ensure that child support covers a significant portion of expenses associated with having a child. If you are a dependent spouse, you should be awarded child support, wherein New Jersey courts will demand your former spouse make scheduled payments to cover several different aspects of your child’s life. Child support payments cover food and clothing, however, they only do so to a certain extent. For example, if your child requires specialized footwear for sports, this will most likely not be covered in the child support agreement. Furthermore, child support payments should also help pay for certain recreational events or hobbies that will enrich your child’s life. Transportation costs, like lease payments, car payments and maintenance, as well as public transportation, should all be covered in your child support agreement. Additionally, housing, as well as healthcare, should also be covered in your child support agreement.

Factors Influencing Child Support Calculations

For the most part, the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines will formulate a support structure, but numerous factors can also play a large role in how the court will determine child support, including:

Custody Arrangements: The amount of time the child spends with each parent.
Needs of the Child: Specific financial requirements for the child’s well-being.
Education: The need and aptitude of the child for education, including potential higher education costs.
Standard of Living: The lifestyle the child was accustomed to prior to the divorce.
Economic Circumstances: The financial status and stability of each parent.
Assets & Liabilities: The total value of property, debts, and other financial obligations of each parent.
Earning Capacity: The current income and potential earning ability of each parent.
Parental Health & Age: The physical health and age of each parent.
Child’s Health: Any special medical needs or age-related considerations for the child.

High Net Worth Child Support Guidelines (Income Over $187,200)

When couples possess a combined net income surpassing $187,200, New Jersey courts will use a different formula to calculate their child support terms. Generally speaking, when this happens, New Jersey courts will base your support terms on the New Jersey Guidelines, however, they will also add support based on the remaining family income, in addition to other important factors, such as whether your child has special needs and any other terms that the courts deem relevant. If you are a divorcing spouse in a high net worth family, you must retain the services of an experienced New Jersey child support attorney as soon as possible. The Law Office of Sarina Gianna, LLC is here to help you obtain the maximum child support you and your child need to uphold your standard of life.

Emancipation: When Does Child Support End?

Child support ends when a child is considered emancipated in the eyes of the state. New Jersey assumes that a child is emancipated at the age of 19, right after high school when the child declines to pursue higher education and has the ability to acquire gainful employment. Children who are pursuing a college education may not be considered emancipated. Each case is different and speaking with an Ocean County child support attorney is best.

College Contribution Obligations in New Jersey

There are times when parents may be obligated to pay for college expenses. A court may need to decide on the matter when parents disagree regarding payments for their child’s education. Some factors that a court may consider include, but are not limited to the following:

Amount Sought: The total cost of the contribution being requested.
Ability to Pay: The financial capability of the parent to cover tuition and expenses.
Course of Study: The specific school and major the child intends to pursue.
Economic Capacity: The overall financial health of both parties.
Child’s Aptitude: The commitment, grades, and talent of the child regarding their education.
Financial Resources: The child’s own assets, savings, or income.
Financial Aid: The availability of scholarships, grants, and loans.
Parent-Child Relationship: The history and nature of the relationship between the child and the paying parent.

To learn more, please read Attorney Gianna’s Complete Guide to Child Support in New Jersey.

Contact an Ocean County Child Support Attorney Today

The Law Office of Sarina Gianna, LLC provides effective legal services for clients across New Jersey. Our firm recognizes the weight of divorce and the impact it can have on all involved. Child support cases are stressful, which is why we are here to reassure you that we will have your child’s best interests at heart, every step of the way. Our firm is dedicated to fighting for the support you, your child, and your family deserve. Attorney Sarina Gianna and her legal team are here to guide you through the divorce process, from beginning to end. If you are interested in speaking with an experienced Ocean County Child support attorney, contact the Law Office of Sarina Gianna, LLC for a consultation.