Child Support Misconceptions in New Jersey
There are many child support misconceptions in New Jersey, and it could leave parents confused, potentially having severe financial consequences. Many people make the mistake of not fully understanding the terms of their child support arrangement. If you are unsure of any aspect of your child’s financial support if you and their other parent are separated, it may be essential to work with a local child support attorney.
What Income Affects Support Orders?
Many people make the mistake of thinking that only their earned income from a job is considered. In reality, any form of financial income is factored into child support payment calculations. Even if someone has a low salary, if they have significant income from rental properties or investments, they will see their support obligations increase.
The key is that the rental money, monthly trust fund payment, or stock dividends provide money to the individual on a regular and consistent basis. In other situations, someone may have a large salary and restricted stock options. Even in those cases, the stock options will be considered when calculating child support.
Does Child Support Last Forever?
In New Jersey, there is a common child support misconception that child support automatically ends at the age of 18. In reality, child support ends when the individual is emancipated, meaning that either the child graduates from high school and does not go on to college, or when they complete full-time college. A child may not be legally emancipated, ending child support, until they reach the age of 23.
Probation
It is important to note that if child support is going through the New Jersey probation, and the child turns 18 years old and does not go on to college, people tend to think that they can just stop paying the child support if they’re making payments directly. However, the issue is that if it’s going through probation, they have to submit the appropriate paperwork, or they may be considered in arrears and see their pay docked. When probation is involved, it is necessary to file a motion to have the child considered emancipated.
It may also be difficult to determine when a child is emancipated if there are exceptional circumstances. While a child would usually be considered emancipated if they are not continuously full time enrolled in college, but if they take a semester off for health reasons, they may not be actually emancipated, and a parent may still owe child support. Any failure to pay may constitute a breach of a court order, leading to potentially severe consequences. If the parents cannot come to an agreement on the child’s status, then the person seeking to emancipate the child or the children must file an application in court.
An Attorney Could Clarify New Jersey Child Support Issues Today
The behaviors that a party should avoid while going through legal proceedings of child support payments in court is firstly to follow the court’s instructions, and pay what is owed, when it is owed, in full. Any failure to do so could have lasting and serious consequences. It may be unclear about when a child becomes emancipated or when they qualify as an adult, but a dedicated and experienced attorney may be able to help you understand some of the child support misconceptions in New Jersey. Your money, time, and you child’s future are at stake. Call right away to get started on your case.
