Child support, in New Jersey, is controlled in almost all instances by the guidelines established by the courts. This complex calculation makes it necessary to have a computer program to accurately determine child support. In all but the rarest cases, child support is paid by the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent.
In calculating child support, the deductions allowed from gross income are limited. Taxes are deducted as well as mandatory pension deduction and health insurance for the child or children. Payers may have other items taken out of their pay that get added back when calculating child support. This can be frustrating, particularly when one looks at the actual dollars available.
Along with child support the issue of health insurance and unreimbursed health expenses need to be dealt with. Generally, the uncovered expenses are apportioned in accordance with the parties’ income. Another collateral issue to child support is apportioning the dependants for income tax purposes.
Frequently asked child support questions:
1. Can I control how my child support monies are used?
No. The custodial parent uses his/her discretion in utilizing the support given by the non-custodial parent.
2. Is it true that the more overnights I have with the child the less I will pay?
Non-custodial parents receive credits (relatively small in most cases) for overnight parenting time. This should not be used as a bargaining tool to decrease child support.
3. How is child support paid?
If the custodial parent wants, child support will be paid through the County Probation Department via Wage Execution.