When you are getting divorced and have minor children, you will likely want and need to understand how New Jersey approaches the calculation of child support payments. It is important to know that the state does utilize a calculator and formula approach to these payments but at the same time, individual circumstances are considered. These circumstances can pertain primarily to parental income or child expenses.
According to the New Jersey Department of Human Services, one thing that is outlined before child support is calculated is whether or not you and your child’s other parent have a shared or sole parenting agreement. In a shared parenting agreement, your children will spend at least 105 nights per year with the non-custodial parent. If fewer than 105 nights are spent with the non-custodial parent, you will have a sole parenting agreement. From there, your income and the income of the other parent will be looked at.
Income can include far more than wages earned from a job. Other employment-related earnings such as bonuses, tips, profit-sharing, commissions, royalties, and severance pay can be used. Any business income as reported on a tax return Schedule C, rental income as reported on a tax return Schedule E, and capital gains are utilized. Benefits related to a disability or job-related illness or injury may also be calculated. So too will alimony from a previous marriage or money from investments be used in child support determinations.
If you are interested in learning more about how child support is calculated and what it is expected to be used for, you can visit our support for children in New Jersey page on our website.
