Toms River Lawyers Handle All Aspects of Child Support Matters
NJ firm advocates for a fair support payment arrangement
Parents must consider not only how divorce affects them, but also how it affects their children — both emotionally and financially. At Rehrer & Rehrer Attorneys at Law, our skilled New Jersey family law attorneys are experienced in all family law matters. We help you obtain a fair and reasonable child support arrangement that allows you to raise your child in a safe and healthy environment.
Understanding child support in New Jersey
New Jersey law establishes general child support guidelines, which are enforced by the Family Division of the Superior Court in Ocean County or wherever the child resides. The state uses an “income shares” model to establish the baseline rate. This means that the overall child support obligation is based on the percentage of total parental income that each party earns. Therefore, if one parent earns $60,000 per year and the other earns $40,000, the first parent would be responsible for providing 60 percent of the financial support needed to raise the child. Typically, this is accomplished through payments from the non-custodial parent to their former partner. Whether you’re going through a divorce or were never married to your co-parent, our attorneys help you understand the basis of these guidelines and how they apply to you.
We’re committed to achieving the best possible financial solutions within the guidelines. That begins with using the discovery process to compel a full, truthful financial disclosure so the court can calculate basic child support with accurate data. Affluent couples must often deal with issues beyond basic child support, such as payments for private school tuition, sports and enrichment activities. Our attorneys help you pursue support terms that best accommodate your financial circumstances and most appropriately provide for your child’s needs.
Child support modifications
Changes in circumstances might justify the modification of previously entered child support. Some of the specific reasons that could warrant a change include the following:
- A drop in parental income due to a job loss, illness or other unanticipated event
- A medical problem or other situation that triggers a significant change in the amount required to provide for the child
- A substantial increase in a parent’s income
- Cost of living increases that justify recalibration of the parents’ respective financial obligations
Whether you intend to request a child support modification in Superior Court or believe that the terms should not be revised, a family attorney at our firm can give you honest, knowledgeable counsel regarding the likelihood of success. From there, we will negotiate on your behalf or represent you in court should that become necessary.
Child support enforcement
If your co-parent has fallen behind on child support payments, you might need assistance to collect the money they are required to provide in order to meet your child’s financial needs. At Rehrer & Rehrer Attorneys at Law, we guide you through the process of enforcing your child support order. There are various methods the court can use to compel a parent to comply with their legal obligation, such as:
- Withholding of income
- Suspension of a driver’s or occupational license
- Seizure of funds from a bank account
- Garnishment of state tax refund
- Bench warrant
- Interception of lottery winnings
- Credit bureau reporting
Of course, financial problems or the changing needs of your children may alter your circumstances. Still, you must continue to pay child support at the current level until the court modifies your order. Our attorneys help you petition expeditiously for a modification to avoid undue hardship.
Contact an effective New Jersey child support lawyer
Rehrer & Rehrer Attorneys at Law in Toms River assists parents with a full range of child support concerns, including proposed modifications and actions to enforce existing orders. Please call 848-480-1527 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with an Ocean County family law attorney.
