South Jersey Child Support Attorneys

When you are a parent navigating a separation or divorce, your child's financial security becomes a central focus. You likely have pressing questions about how child support is determined in New Jersey, what expenses it is intended to cover, and how you can establish a fair and sustainable arrangement. The legal process can feel overwhelming, adding another layer of stress to an already difficult time.

At Rigden Lieberman Mignogna, P.A., we believe every parent deserves clear answers and practical guidance. Our attorneys provide supportive legal counsel to families in Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Mercer, Atlantic, Cumberland, Salem, and Cape May counties, helping them understand their rights and obligations under New Jersey's child support laws. We demystify the related calculations and legal procedures so you can confidently make informed decisions.

Our primary goal is to bring clarity to your situation and help you build a constructive path forward for you and your children. To speak with a child support attorney in South Jersey, contact our firm today at (609) 772-4218.

How Child Support Is Calculated in New Jersey

In New Jersey, child support is determined using the State's official Child Support Guidelines, a standardized method designed to promote fairness and consistency. The core principle is that a child should receive a level of financial support from both parents similar to what they would have received if the family had remained together. This approach aims to prevent a drastic change in the child's standard of living following a separation or divorce.

The calculation itself is a formula that considers several key pieces of information. The primary factors include each parent's gross income from all sources, the parenting time arrangement (specifically, the number of overnights with each parent), and costs paid for the child's health insurance premiums and any work-related childcare. 

While this formula generates a presumptive support amount, a judge can set a different amount if unique circumstances, such as a child’s significant medical needs or other extraordinary expenses, make the standard calculation unsuitable.

Modifying & Enforcing Child Support Orders

As lives evolve, a child support order that was once fair may no longer reflect a family's financial reality. New Jersey law allows parents to seek a formal modification of support following a significant and ongoing change in circumstances. This could be triggered by an involuntary job loss, a substantial increase in income, a shift in the parenting schedule, or a child developing new, costly needs. It is important to remember that such events do not automatically alter the support obligation; a parent must petition the court and present sufficient evidence to obtain a new, legally binding order.

Conversely, when a parent fails to uphold their end of a court order, it can create significant financial hardship. A child support order is a legal obligation; you have the right to seek enforcement. Our firm can take decisive action by filing motions with the court to compel payment and collect any past-due amounts, known as arrears. We are prepared to advocate to secure the financial support your child is rightfully due.