New Jersey Child Support Lawyer for Monmouth and Ocean County

Determining child support in New Jersey can be a complex issue. While New Jersey law provides guidelines for how child support is calculated, a great deal of information must be gathered and entered correctly for the result to be accurate.

At Bronzino Law Firm, we take great care in reviewing income figures and custody arrangements so you can understand your child support obligations and rights. We help with new support orders, paternity actions, and modifications, and we create a plan of action suited to your needs. We serve clients throughout Monmouth County and Ocean County, including Red Bank, Middletown, Belmar, Brielle, Point Pleasant, Toms River, Lakewood, and Jackson.

Call (732) 812-3102 for a free and confidential consultation.

How Child Support Works in New Jersey

Child support is a financial contribution to a child’s needs. Both parents have this obligation, and support is considered the right of the child. New Jersey’s Child Support Guidelines use an Income Shares model, which treats support as a shared responsibility in proportion to each parent’s income. Parents do not necessarily pay equal amounts.

Under Rule 5:6A, a guidelines amount is presumed correct unless a party shows that it would be inappropriate in the circumstances. Support applies regardless of whether the parents were ever married.

Factors That Affect Child Support

The calculation depends on factors such as:

• Each parent’s net income, including income that may be imputed to a parent who is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed
• The number and ages of the children
• Parenting time, including whether a shared-parenting adjustment applies
• The cost of adding the child to a health insurance plan
• Predictable medical costs above $250 per child per year
• Work-related child care and court-approved special expenses

The basic award is intended to cover a child’s share of items such as housing, food, clothing, transportation, and entertainment. The guidelines work differently when combined income exceeds the top of the schedule, and college costs are handled separately.

Child Support for Unmarried Parents and Paternity Actions

In addition to arising in a divorce, child support is also an important issue for unmarried parents and in paternity actions. If you are an unmarried parent seeking support, or a parent who wants to understand your rights and obligations, we can discuss your options.

Ways to Resolve a Child Support Case

Parents can sometimes reach an agreement on their own, but it is highly recommended that the agreement be made part of a court order to protect the child’s rights. When parents cannot agree, mediation may help. If it does not, a judge will decide the matter. While a case is pending, the court can also order temporary child support.

Child support is generally paid through income withholding, which is administered through Probation. Whether you are paying or seeking support, attorney Peter J. Bronzino can help you resolve disagreements and represent you in court.

When Does Child Support End in New Jersey?

Under New Jersey’s termination process, child support generally ends on the child’s 19th birthday. Both parents receive notice before that date, and the custodial parent can request that support continue.

Support may continue up to age 23 if the child is still in high school, attends postsecondary school full time, has a disability, or if the parents have an agreement or the court orders it. It can continue past 23 if a court finds that a severe physical or mental incapacity makes the child financially dependent. Any overdue support must still be paid after the obligation ends. Emancipation can also affect when support ends.

Child Support Modifications

A job loss, a substantial pay cut, or a significant raise may support a child support modification. Timing matters. Under N.J.S.A. 2A:17-56.23a, past-due child support generally cannot be reduced retroactively. A change can generally reach back only to the date the other parent was given notice of the request, so it is important not to wait.

New Jersey Child Support FAQs

At what age does child support end in New Jersey?

Generally at 19. It can continue up to 23 in certain situations, such as when a child is in full-time postsecondary education, and longer for a child with a severe incapacity.

Do I pay child support if we share custody 50/50?

Possibly. Shared custody does not automatically eliminate support. The guidelines may apply a shared-parenting adjustment, and the result depends on income and parenting time.

Can overdue child support be reduced?

Generally, no. Each payment becomes a judgment when due, and New Jersey law limits retroactive changes.

Does child support cover college?

The guidelines schedules are not used to set college contributions. College costs are addressed separately, based on the parties’ agreement or the court’s decision.

Contact a Child Support Lawyer in Manasquan

At Bronzino Law Firm, we do not offer a one-size-fits-all approach. We get to know each client and pride ourselves on keeping you informed and involved in the process throughout Monmouth and Ocean County, including Holmdel, Rumson, Manalapan, and Monmouth Beach.

To schedule a free and confidential consultation, please contact us online or call our Manasquan office at (732) 812-3102.