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What Expenses Does Child Support Cover?
Parents in New Jersey are obligated to financially support their children until the age of emancipation. Parents who decide to go their separate ways must address child support to ensure that the divorce’s impact on the quality of life of the child is mitigated. Child support can be a hotly contested divorce matter. If parents cannot reach an agreement on the matter, the court will need to intervene. Child support can cover a significant portion of expenses associated with a child’s upbringing. If you are a parent getting divorced, it’s in your best interest to contact an experienced Ocean County Child Support Attorney who can help protect your rights and interests. Please continue reading to learn how much child support covers in New Jersey.
What Factors Influence Child Support Terms?
Under New Jersey law, you may be entitled to receive child support up to your child’s 23rd birthday. New Jersey has child support guidelines in place to ensure that child support covers a significant portion of expenses associated with raising a child. When judges are calculating child support they consider various factors. According to the state, the guidelines will assess factors including but not limited to:
- The age and health of the child
- The age and health of each parent
- The number of children
- The income and earning potential of each parent
- The amount of time each parent spends with the children
- The needs of the child
- The standard of living of each parent
- Assets and liabilities of each parent
- Custody arrangement
What Does Child Support Cover?
Whether you are entitled to receive or obligated to pay child support in New Jersey, it’s important to understand what expenses are covered. Child support ensures that both parents contribute to the financial needs of their children. The primary goal of child support is to help children maintain the same or similar standard of living to which they would have enjoyed if their parents were still together. Child support payments are intended to cover the basic necessities of the child, such as food, clothing, and shelter. Essentially, it covers a wide range of expenses, including:
- Basic needs (food, clothing, shelter)
- Medical expenses
- Educational expenses
- Childcare costs
- Extracurricular activities
- Transportation
- Special needs
Child support payments should help pay for certain recreational events or hobbies that will enrich your child’s life. It’s important to note that the judge will use the result of the formula from the guideline when issuing a child support order. However, parents can agree to a different amount and include it in their parenting plan.
At the Law Office of Sarina Gianna, LLC, we are prepared to help you fight for the support you, your child, and your family deserve. Connect with our firm today as we can help ensure your child’s best interests are safeguarded.