Need a Child Support Lawyer in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, the laws governing child support are designed to help ensure financial stability for a child when their parents are divorced or separated. Child support payments are typically established during divorce proceedings by a New Jersey court. 

However, circumstances can fluctuate after a child support order is issued, especially after a number of years have elapsed since the parents divorced. As a result, a parent may need to request an adjustment to an existing child support arrangement. 

If you are seeking an adjustment to child support in New Jersey, call one of our experienced child support attorneys for a free consultation and read below for more information.

Legal Framework for Child Support in New Jersey

Child support laws in New Jersey are governed by the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines, which provide a framework for calculating child support obligations based on factors such as each parent’s income, number of children, and custody arrangements. 

In New Jersey, child support is typically paid until a child reaches the age of 19 or is enrolled full-time in a post-high school education, or until 23 years of age. Understanding these guidelines is crucial for both parents to ensure fair and appropriate support for their children.

Grounds for Adjusting Child Support

New Jersey courts acknowledge that circumstances can change significantly after a child support order is issued. As a result, to ensure fairness and flexibility, a child support agreement can be adjusted. 

However, specific grounds must be cited and supported to seek a child support adjustment. These grounds can include:

• Change in income. If there has been a substantial change in either parent’s income, such as loss of employment, increase in salary, or change in employment status, this might warrant a modification of child support.
• Change in living situation. A parent needing to relocate for work or another reason could provide grounds to request a child support adjustment, particularly if the relocation is to a different state or is a significant distance from where the child resides.  
• Remarriage. A parent remarrying and subsequently having additional children could impact child support obligations to the point where requesting an adjustment may be reasonable.
• Change in child’s medical needs. If a child develops a medical need that requires care, this can serve as grounds to request an adjustment to monthly child support obligations. 
• Changes in educational needs or expenses. Tuition for specialized education or college could serve as a basis to request an adjustment to child support payments.
• Modifications to parenting time. If there has been a significant change in the parenting time arrangement, then there may be a basis to request an adjustment to child support payments. 

The Process of Adjusting Child Support in NJ

Prior to seeking a child support adjustment, it is important to compile all relevant information. This includes details about the existing child support order, including: 

• The case number
• Names of the parties involved 
• The date the order was issued 

It is also necessary to compile supporting documents that substantiate the request for a  modification, which typically includes:

• Income statements
• Medical bills
• Educational expenses

Once the necessary documents have been collected and reviewed, the next step is to file an application. To ensure the application is completed properly, consult with a seasoned and knowledgeable family law attorney in New Jersey who can review the petition and forms as well as provide guidance throughout the filing process.

Once all necessary documentation is submitted, a New Jersey family court will review the information and decide whether to adjust child support. A Judge will assess each parent’s financial situation, the specific needs of the child, and any other relevant factors to reach a fair and reasonable decision. 

Challenges and Solutions

There are a number of obstacles that may be encountered during the child support modification process. One of the most common is collecting all of the necessary documentation to ensure the support modification request is properly filed with a New Jersey family court. 

This obstacle is a big reason why it makes sense to retain the services of an experienced family law attorney in New Jersey. A skilled attorney can help navigate common challenges effectively. 

Preparing for Your Child Support Modification Case

To successfully navigate the child support adjustment process in New Jersey, it is crucial to adhere to specific deadlines and provide the necessary documentation. Typically, once a formal request is submitted to the court, there are specific timelines within which both parents must exchange financial documents and evidence. 

Failure to meet these deadlines can result in delays or dismissal of the adjustment request. It is essential to stay organized, understand the timeline requirements, and ensure all relevant documentation, such as income statements, tax returns, and proof of changed circumstances, are submitted promptly.

How an Attorney Can Assist

Navigating child support adjustment laws in New Jersey can be challenging, especially when enforcement issues arise. Seeking professional legal advice is crucial in child support cases where the well-being of the child is at stake. 

An experienced and knowledgeable child support lawyer can provide guidance on enforcement procedures, rights, and obligations, ensuring that the child support adjustment order is carried out effectively. 

FAQs

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with a Rosenblum Law Child Support Adjustment Attorney

If you have questions about seeking child support adjustment, contact Rosenblum Law to schedule a free, confidential consultation. Our experienced family law attorneys are here to help. 

No matter how simple or complicated the adjustment case, our team of experienced and skilled New Jersey child support adjustment attorneys will examine every detail to achieve the desired outcome in your case.