In New Jersey, courts consider the number of children that need support, among other factors, during child support calculations. Specifically, they compute for support while considering the parents’ combined income and the number of children involved.
Here is what happens when they do:
The more the children, the higher the basic support
Using the state’s standard method of calculating support, the basic child support amount increases with the number of children requiring support. As the number of children increases, the cost of raising them also increases, which is why the basic support obligation goes up. This includes expenses for food, clothing, housing and other necessities.
The guidelines are designed to be fair and equitable, ensuring the support amount meets the children’s needs while also considering the financial capacity of both parents.
Not an absolute formula
It is important to note that while the guidelines provide a standard calculation, the court has the discretion to deviate from these guidelines in certain situations if it would be in the best interests of the children or if following the guidelines strictly would be inappropriate or unjust.
Striving for positive results
As a parent, you want to provide appropriate levels of support for your child’s current and future well-being. If you are negotiating a child support agreement with your coparent, it is advisable to perform adequate research and seek support from an experienced child support attorney to properly evaluate the factors in your situation and obtain adequate support for your child.
If your case is in court, understanding how the court calculates support is essential for you to maintain your expectations while staying prepared with necessary documentation and proof to ensure your child’s best interests remain the priority during determination.
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