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State law requires that both parents contribute to the financial, medical, and emotional well-being of the children they share, regardless of their marital status.
Family court or state agencies can help you establish paternity, locate a non-custodial parent, create orders, and enforce orders, but you need a knowledgeable family law attorney to guide you. Contact O’Cathain Law Group Family Law Department to schedule a consultation with an experienced Mahwah child support lawyer if you need assistance.
Parents, guardians, or relatives caring for children under 19 years old may apply for child support services. The process is relatively quick and straightforward, provided you have all of the necessary information, such as income, date of birth of the child(ren), addresses, etc.
The primary purposes of child support are to provide the basic necessities of minor children and maintain the standard of living they would have if they resided in one home with their parents. Expenses that child support covers include:
During your appointment, one of our family law attorneys in Bergen County can answer your questions about child support and guide you through the appropriate actions to reach your desired outcome.
Family courts typically order that the non-custodial parent pay support until the child turns 19, gets married, or enlists in the military. However, the court may extend the term until the child turns 23 if they are still in high school (such as those with special needs), are enrolled in college or vocational school full-time, or are still living at home and cannot support themselves due to a disability. Custodial parents may request an extension for other exceptional circumstances.
Family courts calculate child support payments using the income shares model. This method estimates the total amount of funds required if the family lived together in one home and then divides it proportionally among the parents.
The model includes wages, self-employment income, bonuses, and Social Security while allowing deductions for health insurance premiums, taxes, and other expenses. Family court judges have the authority to deviate from the guidelines if they determine it to be in the best interest of the child, such as in cases involving special needs or additional education costs. If the income of either or both parents exceed the maximum income provided for in the guidelines, family court judges will impose additional support above the guidelines amount to ensure that the child or children receive that economic benefit. A knowledgeable family law attorney in Mahwah can help ensure that your child support payments are fair.
There is a worksheet for calculating the amount of support payments when the non-custodial parent has the children less than 28 percent of the time. There is a separate worksheet for those who share parenting.
Modifying a child support order requires showing that a significant change in circumstances has occurred since the court issued the order. This can include a substantial income change, age of children, a sustained period of unemployment, or similar circumstances.
State courts require that you complete an Application for Modification of Court Order and file it with the court. A skilled Mahwah family law attorney can assist you in completing and filing the application to modify your child support.
Family law matters, particularly those involving children, are often emotionally charged, and protecting your rights is crucial. A compassionate and experienced Mahwah child support lawyer at O’Cathain Law Group Family Law Department can answer your questions, provide sound advice, and fight for a favorable outcome.
We can direct you to the resources you need and handle the details for you. Call us today to schedule an appointment and learn more.