Child Support

Morristown Child Support Attorneys

Advocating for Fair Child Support Arrangements in Morris County

New Jersey maintains strict guidelines for calculating child support. Arriving at a fair number requires a precise assessment of both parents' incomes, the custody arrangement, and the specific educational or medical needs of the child.

At Foster & Burke, we can help you navigate conflicts concerning child support and other areas of divorce. We recognize that the well-being of your family is at stake and are here to provide straightforward advice, ethical representation, and strategic advocacy during this challenging transition. Our attorneys bring big-firm experience to our boutique family law practice and can examine every aspect of your financial circumstances to present a clear and compelling case to the court.

No situation is too complex, and we are prepared to take on difficult cases that others might avoid. We also don’t push litigation for profit. Attorney Elizabeth Burke is a certified mediator, and we can make every effort to resolve disagreements through alternative dispute resolution methods. Whether you anticipate paying support or receiving it, we can dedicate our efforts to achieving a just outcome that protects your children's standard of living. We can also assist with child support enforcement actions post-divorce modifications if your family’s circumstances have significantly changed.

Call (973) 381-2720 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation with our Morristown child support lawyers. We can meet with you virtually.

How Is Child Support Calculated in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, child support is determined using a formula designed to ensure children receive the same proportion of parental income they would have enjoyed if the family had remained intact. This calculation begins by combining the net incomes of both parents to establish a total available pot of resources. The state’s guidelines then allocate a specific support amount based on that combined figure, dividing the responsibility between parents according to their respective contributions to the total income.

While the formula provides a baseline, the final figure can be heavily influenced by several variables. The most significant factor is the custody arrangement, specifically the number of "overnights" the child spends with each parent, which determines whether a "Sole Parenting" or "Shared Parenting" worksheet is used. Additional important factors include the cost of health insurance premiums for the child, work-related childcare expenses, and whether either parent has other legal dependents. Courts may also deviate from the standard guidelines to account for extraordinary circumstances, such as special needs resulting in higher medical costs.

The reality is that determining child support tends to be stressful and complicated. Whether you expect to pay or receive child support, we can carefully review your situation, identify factors that may warrant deviating from the baseline formula result, and pursue a support amount that’s right for your family while complying with the law.

When Can I Modify a Child Support Arrangement in New Jersey?

A New Jersey child support order is not necessarily fixed. In fact, all child support orders in the state automatically undergo a cost-of-living adjustment every two years based on the Consumer Price Index. For other changes, however, the courts require you to demonstrate a substantial change in circumstances before they will consider a modification in either direction.

If you find yourself struggling to cover rising costs for your children despite cost-of-living adjustments, or if the other parent’s income has significantly increased, we may be able to file a motion to request an upward modification. Common justifications for receiving more support include a child’s evolving needs, such as new educational expenses or medical requirements, or a shift in custody where the child spends less time with the paying parent.

Conversely, our team at Foster & Burke can also represent parents who need to pay less due to substantial, involuntary financial setbacks. For example, if you have lost your employment through no fault of your own, if you have developed a disability that limits your earning capacity, or if your child now spends significantly more time in your care, a downward modification may be warranted. We can work to establish that these changes are not merely temporary or self-imposed.

If you are looking to modify your current child support arrangement, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our attorneys. We can review your circumstances and advise whether you have a strong case.

When Do Child Support Obligations End in New Jersey?

Under New Jersey law, the obligation to pay child support generally terminates when a child turns 19. With that said, this termination does not always happen immediately upon the child's 19^th birthday. Other life events, such as the child marrying, entering military service, or passing away, can also trigger an immediate end to payments. The state sends notices to both parents before the child’s 19th birthday, providing a window to request a continuation if specific circumstances warrant further financial assistance.

We can assist in extending support beyond age 19 in certain circumstances, particularly when a child is still in high school, is a full-time college or vocational school student, or has a disability. In cases involving continued education, the support termination date will typically coincide with the expected graduation date or the child’s 23^rd birthday, whichever comes first. While child support obligation will end for a disabled child on their 23^rd birthday, we can help you explore options for seeking ongoing financial maintenance to protect their long-term needs and care.

If you need help enforcing an existing child support order, do not hesitate to call (973) 381-2720 or contact us online to schedule a time to discuss your options with our attorneys.

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Why Choose Foster & Burke?

Trusted Experience
With extensive litigation and appellate backgrounds, we confidently handle complex and high-stakes family law matters. You benefit from seasoned attorneys who are prepared for any challenge.
Client-Centered Care
We take the time to understand your family, your concerns, and your goals. Our approach is compassionate, steady, and built around helping you move toward a better future.
Honesty First
We believe in straightforward guidance and ethical advocacy, without unnecessary court battles or inflated billing. You always know where you stand and what to expect.
Focused Advocacy
We bring big-firm experience to a boutique setting, giving every client strategic, attentive representation. Your case is never handed off or treated as routine.

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163 Madison Ave
Suite 220-20
Morristown, NJ 07960

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973-381-2720