New Jersey law operates on the assumption that two parents share equal financial responsibility for raising a child. This concept applies to any situation where a judge is required to establish a support order for a parent who does not have sole physical custody.
A child support order typically results from a divorce where the two parties share a child. However, support payments may also result from any separation agreement between unwed parents. In short, a parent is required to provide support anytime a child does not live entirely under their roof. The creation and enforcement of these orders is a primary concern for Ocean County’s family courts.
An Ocean County child support lawyer can help you create and enforce these orders. A qualified family attorney can work with you each step of the way to make sure your children are provided for following a divorce.
The Purpose of Child Support
One of the main obligations of a parent is to provide for the financial needs of their children. This includes providing money for food, shelter, and clothing. If the two parents cohabitate with the child, they will typically divide these responsibilities.
However, if the two parents end their relationship or no longer live together, the child will often primarily live with one parent. The parent the child does not permanently reside with will usually be obligated to provide support payments.
Either party to a divorce can ask for child support as soon as the parties no longer live together. Even if the parents were never married, they may ask a court to establish a support order. These orders carry the full weight of the law. A failure to provide proper support payments can result in a civil contempt order, suspension of a driver’s license, or even criminal charges. To fully understand child support and the role it can play, it may be beneficial to consult an Ocean County child support lawyer.
How Does an Ocean County Court Determine Support Amounts?
The guidelines for creating a child support agreement are prescribed by law. New Jersey Court Rules state that any child support payment is enacted to provide for the proper care of a child. The court will generally use a calculator to determine the amount of the weekly support payment a parent must provide. This calculator examines:
- The physical custody status of the child
- The percentage of parenting time
- The gross income of both parents
- Any other support payments
- Tax filing status
As such, the weekly support payment will depend on the specific case. A child support lawyer in Ocean County can help a parent evaluate the expected child support payments required by the court.
Let an Ocean County Child Support Attorney Help
The primary concern of any family court in determining child support payments is the care and maintenance of the children. In general, any parent without sole physical custody of a child may have to provide weekly payments to cover the costs of food, housing, clothing, and other necessities.
An Ocean County child support lawyer can help those who need to establish an order or who wish to modify an existing order. Contact an attorney today to discuss your case. We can work with you to make sure your child has the resources they need following a divorce.