Child Support

Child support is a periodic payment made by one parent to the other parent for the financial benefit of a child. In the event one party does not want to pay child support, the other parent may file an application with the Court seeking child support. In deciding whether child support should be awarded, the Court looks at several factors, such as the incomes of both parties, the custody and regular parenting time arrangement, etc. Despite whether both parties have equal (essential 50/50 parenting time), one party may still be obligated to pay the other party child support. In other words, 50/50 parenting time does not mean there will not be a child support obligation, particularly in cases when there is a large disparity of income between the parties. Once the Court establishes the child support amount, the child support payments may be made by the party obligated to pay the child support in a few of ways: via direct payment from one party the other, or through the County’s Probation Department (Child Support Enforcement Unit), or via wage garnishment through the County’s Probation Department (Child Support Enforcement Unit). Please note, a parent may request child support regardless of the parties’ marital status or their immigration status. does not preclude you from seeking child support from the other parent.

In New Jersey, child support is designed to help with the child’s financial support and expenses. Please note, daycare costs and private school tuition are separate and in addition to child support.

In the event a party does NOT pay the child support he/she agreed to or was ordered to pay, there are several means set in place to enforce child support in New Jersey.