West Caldwell Child Support Lawyer

Even if a child’s biological parent no longer has physical or legal custody, they still may be obligated to provide financial support for the interest of the child. The amount of financial assistance that a non-custodial parent may owe the other parent varies from case to case. As every matter is different, including income and parenting time arrangement, determining the amount of child support owed, if any, can be deceptively complex.

Failing to meet the requirements set out in a support obligation order can result in serious legal repercussions, as an accomplished family attorney can affirm. If you have any concerns about preserving your rights, a West Caldwell child support lawyer will help you pursue a positive case outcome.

How State Law Addresses Child Support Obligations

New Jersey courts follow numerous appendices while deciding whether a non-custodial parent should pay financial support to their child’s custodial parent. If the courts decide the non-custodial parent should have a child support obligation, they also must decide how much support is appropriate, based upon numerous factors.  A West Caldwell attorney can explain the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines and how the specific circumstances of a particular case may impact child support during a private consultation.

While numerous circumstances may become variables in calculations made in accordance with the Guidelines, the court utilizes each parent’s “gross income.” For the purposes of child support calculations, “gross income” includes wages derived from employment and all other sources of income like rents, interests from trusts, royalties, bonuses, and even workers’ compensation and unemployment benefits.

When Might West Caldwell Courts Deviate from the Child Support Guidelines?

The New Jersey Child Support Guidelines are not immutable rules, and there are numerous situations in which a court may find it appropriate to modify a child support obligation. Some of the factors that courts consider when determining whether to deviate from the Guidelines include:

• If the parties’ net income is above $187,200 per year
• Each parent’s past earnings and future earning capacity, based on work history, educational achievements, and marketable skills
• All debts held by either or both parents
• The minor’s needs for specialized medical care, higher education, or other special expenses
• The standard of living the minor is accustomed to with each parent
• The minor’s age, working capacity, or income
• Any other obligations either parent owes due to other enforceable court orders

A child support attorney in West Caldwell can provide crucial context and guidance regarding what might affect the outcome of a particular proceeding.

Speak with a West Caldwell Child Support Attorney Today

Child support is the right of the child, not the custodial parent. The purpose of child support is to ensure that both parents meaningfully contribute to their child’s expenses and overall best interests, even if they are living separately from each other. However, there are many expenses and factors that should be incorporated into the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines to also protect a parent’s interest.

A West Caldwell child support lawyer will help advocate for a solution that is appropriate and practical for your unique case. Call our New Jersey office today to schedule a meeting.