The law has long recognized the obligation of parents to support their children. New Jersey law, through statutes and court rules, has defined this obligation through the use of child support guidelines. These guidelines were developed through the use of various studies in which the cost to families to raise children was determined. New Jersey courts prefer that child support be paid in accordance with the guidelines unless there is some important reason why the guidelines should not be followed. Various figures involving income and expenses are required in order to properly compute child support. In addition, some other factors that affect the amount of child support include:

• Income from other adults in the home.
• The cost to either parent of work related child support
• The cost to either party of health insurance
• The number of overnights the children spend with the non-custodial parent
• The cost to support children from other relationships
  

Child support is an issue that will be resolved as a part of the divorce litigation. Even where there is no pending divorce, the New Jersey courts have jurisdiction to award child support or modify existing child support. For assistance in determining your rights and obligations contact The Brown DePinto Law Firm.