Parents must balance many aspects of life after divorce, which sometimes includes both parental obligations and child support payments. That is why, in New Jersey, child support calculations often consider the amount of parenting time each parent has.
The state uses the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines to determine the financial support a child needs. These guidelines factor in the time the child spends with each parent and how much each parent contributes to the child’s expenses.
Determining child support payments
Parenting schedules directly influence child support payment calculations. When one parent has primary custody, the non-custodial parent usually pays a higher amount to support the child. This is because the custodial parent typically bears more daily expenses, such as food, housing and utility payments.
Shared custody arrangements can lead to adjustments in child support payments. In New Jersey, shared custody usually applies when both parents have the child for at least two overnights per week. This arrangement reduces the financial burden on one parent because the other parent is responsible for a significant share of the child’s daily needs. As a result, the child support payment is often lower in shared custody cases.
The court may also consider other factors in child support determinations. Income disparities between parents and the child’s specific needs can be significant considerations, when applicable. For example, if one parent earns significantly more than the other, the court may adjust the payment to ensure stability. Costs for medical care, education or extracurricular activities could lead to changes in payment as well.
Other benefits of shared parenting time
Taking on more parenting time can benefit both the parent and the child. It not only strengthens the parent-child relationship but may also reduce financial obligations. However, changes to parenting time and custody arrangements require careful consideration and court approval.
Parents should keep in mind that the primary goal of New Jersey’s child support system is to serve the child’s best interests. The court’s priority is to make sure the child has adequate financial and emotional support, regardless of the parenting schedule.
