After divorce, young children in New Jersey can be the ones who suffer most. They may be dealing with many life changes like moving from their home, navigating new schedules, and trying to understand complex adult issues. It is the parents’ job to help children get through the divorce as easily as possible based on the circumstances. Child support is one way to help promote the health and happiness of children after their parents’ divorce.
How child support works
Post-divorce, both parents have a duty to ensure that children are fed, clothed, provided health care and have a safe home. This is where child support becomes important. The custodial parent, or the one with primary responsibility for the child, will usually be paid child support by the noncustodial parent. The amount paid depends on several factors, but it’s most closely related to the income of both parents.
Child support is intended to help the custodial parent pay for day-to-day costs related to child care. This may involve paying household bills, buying food and clothing for the child, and paying for many other expenses. The custodial and noncustodial parent can negotiate the terms of child support, but the court will have the final say, especially in contentious situations.
Legal help is important
There are many aspects of divorce that require legal advice from an experienced New Jersey family law attorney. This is especially true when parents with young children decide to dissolve their marriage. Even in the best circumstances, it’s best to consult with an attorney to be sure all important divorce issues, from child support to asset division, are dealt with in the appropriate manner.