Your Child Deserves Financial Support: Talk To A Woodland Park Child Support Attorney
Few things matter more to parents than the safety and well-being of their children. When navigating a divorce, negotiating the terms associated with child custody and child support can be complicated and rife with emotion. It is never easy to come to terms with the fact that the way you financially support and spend time with your child is about to change forever.
To soften the blow of this extreme life change for both you and your children, you must retain an experienced attorney. You should seek a lawyer dedicated to helping you obtain the best outcome possible in a way that supports your child’s best interests.
At Bastarrika, Soto, Gonzalez & Somohano, L.L.P., serving Bergen County and Passaic County, our experienced family law attorneys are committed to giving you the attention and care you deserve while tenaciously and efficiently handling your child support and custody matters.
How Do New Jersey Courts Determine Child Support?
Child support is determined according to a set of state-mandated guidelines. But it is important to remember that these guidelines are just that. They are not rules or requirements. We are prepared to examine your child’s needs as they correspond to the financial ability of each parent.
Many factors play into determining child support, including:
- Income of both parents
- Any special needs of the child or children
- Ages of the children
- The custody agreement
Modifying Child Support In New Jersey
In New Jersey, child support agreements are designed to help ensure children receive the financial support they need to thrive during their parents’ separation.
However, circumstances can change, so modifications to these agreements are sometimes necessary. As the primary custodial parent, you should understand when and why modification requests may be warranted. Some of the common reasons for seeking modifications in child support arrangements include but are not limited to:
- Changes in financial circumstances: Parents are expected to provide financial support to their children according to their means, so a significant increase in your co-parent’s income should be reflected by an increase in support. Similarly, if you suffer an involuntary job loss or a decrease in your income, you may also be justified in seeking additional support.
- Changes in the child’s needs: As children grow older, their expenses can increase, whether due to medical issues, educational costs or extracurricular activities. Suppose these needs differ from what was initially anticipated when the support agreement was created. In that case, it may be appropriate to seek a modification to ensure the child’s current needs are adequately met.
- Changes in custody arrangements: If custody was supposed to be shared 50/50 with your co-parent, but you actually possess your child 90% of the time, the child support you receive should reflect that.
As a custodial parent, when you find yourself struggling to meet your child’s needs or facing unexpected financial challenges, it may be time to consider seeking a support modification. Doing so advocates for your child’s well-being.
A child support attorney can help you understand the factors influencing child support determination and make a powerful request before the court for a modification to address the changes with fairness and compassion—and as per child support guidelines.
Contact Bastarrika, Soto, Gonzalez & Somohano, L.L.P.
To learn more about how our child custody attorneys can help you navigate your issues, call 973-370-0997 or or email us.