New Jersey Child Support Lawyer

In New Jersey, child support is often a major concern for parents when divorcing. The goal is that the children are properly cared for physically, emotionally, and in a healthy manner. It does not matter which parent a child ultimately lives with, both parents, by law, are required to care for and meet the needs of the child. If you’re facing a legal matter involving child support of any kind, please don’t hesitate to contact an experienced New Jersey child support lawyer from Lawrence Law today.

Child Support Lawyer | Protecting the Needs of Your Family

Child support is not something you should throw to the wind and hope for the best. Getting a favorable child support agreement is a serious matter that will have a significant impact on the lives and futures of your children. You cannot afford to gamble with their well-being and happiness. That is why you need a child support lawyer who can help you navigate the complex and unpredictable legal system. Importantly, a child support lawyer is not just a legal advisor; they will also be your strategist, negotiator, protector, and partner. The right New Jersey family lawyer can help you with all aspects of your case including the following:

• Strategizing the best course of action for your case, based on your unique circumstances and goals. They can help you weigh the pros and cons of different options, such as mediation, litigation, or settlement. Lawrence Law also has extensive experience with arbitration and collaborative divorce.
• Negotiating with the other parent or their lawyer, to reach a fair and reasonable agreement that meets your child’s needs.
• Protecting your rights and interests, as well as those of your children, such as by helping you deal with any issues that may arise, such as arrears, contempt, or fraud.
• Providing you with support, guidance, and advice throughout the process, handling all paperwork, documentation, and every other facet of your case.

A child support lawyer is not a luxury. It is a necessity. You cannot rely on luck or intuition to handle such a vital and potentially volatile matter. You need a legal professional who can help you achieve the best possible outcome for you and your children.

Calculating Child Support in New Jersey

Child Support is money paid from the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent used to support the children. The support is to cover a variety of expenses including housing, food, and personal expenses. New Jersey Courts use the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines to calculate the amount of support one parent will have to pay to the other. However, the Court has discretion in calculating the final amount based on several factors. Issues such as the ages of the children, the income of the parents, special needs, education costs, and the child’s income or ability to earn income.

Modifying Child Support Terms

Typically, child support lasts until a child is emancipated, which is, generally, when a child graduates from college. That said, there are various other circumstances that may warrant the modification to or extension/termination of child support. Some situations that may warrant a modification to an existing child support agreement are as follows:

• A significant increase or decrease in either parent’s income
• A change in the custody or parenting time arrangement
• A change in the needs or expenses of the children
• A change in the cost of living
• The remarriage or cohabitation of either parent
• The disability or illness of either parent or child
• The incarceration or release of either parent
• The birth or adoption of another child by either parent
• The death of either parent
• A parent develops a substance abuse issue
• A parent exposes the child to an act of domestic violence
• The emancipation of a child, such as if a child joins the military, gets married, or becomes financially independent

Modifying a child support agreement can be a complex and challenging process. You may need the help of an experienced family law attorney who can advise you on your rights and obligations, negotiate with the other parent, and represent you in court if necessary. Lawrence Law is on your side.

Enforcement

These financial obligations are enforced by the court. There are various ways to collect money due to a court order. A court can garnish one’s wages, liquidate assets, order community service until paid, and in extreme circumstances, jail the person who is not paying court-ordered support. If your ex is refusing to abide by a court-ordered support order, you should strongly consider reaching out to a skilled child support lawyer who can work to enforce the agreement on your behalf.

Contact Lawrence Law Today

The bottom line is that if you are facing a child support matter of any kind, you need a competent New Jersey child support lawyer in your corner who can fight for the well-being of your child. Fortunately, you are in the right place. Contact Lawrence Law today to schedule your initial consultation with our seasoned and compassionate family law firm. We are here to guide you through each phase of the legal process ahead, advocating for you and your child at every turn.