Hackensack Child Support Lawyer
Children are some of the most precious gifts a marriage or relationship can bring. That does not change when a divorce or separation occurs. In cases of divorce or separation, there will be a number of factors parents must keep in mind in order to make the process as easy on the children as possible. In cases involving minor or unemancipated children, one of those factors will be child support. New Jersey courts take child support seriously, and so should you. A Hackensack child support lawyer is an important component when it comes to addressing child support.
Child support can have a significant impact on your financial future. Preparing for that impact is an important part of effectively navigating the divorce or separation process. Contact a skilled family law attorney to start reviewing your potential legal options.
The Basics of Child Support
Child support is presumptively calculated using the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines. The Guidelines include factors such as the parents’ incomes, how much time each of them spends with the child, health insurance premiums, and duties to support children from other relationships. There are certain narrow circumstances where the Court can deviate from using the Child Support Guidelines or supplement a child support award based on the Guidelines. Such circumstances may include disabled children or children with special needs. A diligent child support lawyer in Hackensack can assist a parent during the child support calculation process and determine whether the Guidelines should be applied and ensure calculations are accurate, no matter the method for the calculation.
Modification of Support
An existing child support obligation can be modified based on a substantial and permanent change in financial circumstances. This often includes loss or reduction in income, an increase in a child’s needs, or changes in child custody or parenting time schedules. Our experienced Hackensack attorneys can provide assistance to parents looking to modify child support obligations and help them determine if it is in their best interests to pursue a modification.
Terminating Child Support Obligations
Child support obligations typically end when a child has been emancipated, which does not necessarily mean turning 18 or graduating from high school. Without a prior agreement defining the circumstances under which a child becomes emancipated, the Court will be tasked with determining whether a child has escaped their parents’ sphere of influence. Common situations where the Court will decline to declare a child emancipated include attending college or trade school or having a disability that prevents them from being financially independent.
A seasoned Hackensack attorney can explain how the emancipation process works and help you understand your legal options and rights with respect to continuing child support obligations.
Enforcement of Child Support Obligations
Unfortunately, parents do not always comply with paying their child support obligations. If a non-custodial parent refuses to pay the custodial parent, a Hackensack attorney knows how to file an application for enforcement of the obligation in court. By doing so, our attorneys can help you get a court order requiring the nonpaying parent to begin paying again and for additional enforcement mechanisms such as wage garnishment or levying on assets.
Our compassionate lawyers understand the importance of child support payments and can explore all possible avenues to help your children get the payments that they need and deserve.
Get Experienced Legal Advocacy from a Hackensack Child Support Attorney
Your child’s financial needs are important, especially in cases of divorce or separation. Child support is an important part of meeting those financial needs, but it can be intimidating to deal with on your own.
That is why working with an experienced Hackensack child support lawyer can be such an important part of your approach to navigating child support.
If you are considering divorce or separation and are concerned about how child support will affect you and your family, contact a dedicated member of our legal team to find out how they can work with you regarding child support issues during every stage of your divorce or separation.
