CALCULATING CHILD SUPPORT

Calculating child support in New Jersey follows a structured formula based on the combined income of both parents.

The number of children, their ages, and the amount of overnights with each parent. There must also be a determination as to which parent is the Primary Residential Parent (“PPR”) and the Parent of the Alternate Residence (“PAR).  Understanding how child support is calculated can help both PPR  and PAR prepare for their financial responsibilities and ensure fair contributions toward their child’s well-being. 

The standard guidelines apply up to a gross annual income of $187,200.  When the combined (or individual) income exceeds the $187,200 annual amount, the Court will review the calculation as an above the guidelines calculation which this article does not address. 

An above the guidelines child support calculation will be applied when either (or both) parents exceed $187,200 per year.  There are additional factors which may apply in an above the guidelines child support calculation and obligation.

In New Jersey, the Court has the discretion to determine the appropriate level of support, and it may deviate from the guidelines to ensure a child’s best interests are met. 

However, in a more typical example, the first step in calculating child support is determining each parent’s weekly gross income. This includes wages, salaries, bonuses, and other sources of income. From this gross amount, standard payroll deductions—such as federal and state taxes, Social Security, and Medicare—are subtracted to arrive at each parent’s net weekly income.

Once both parents’ net weekly incomes are established, those two figures are added together to calculate the total combined net income.

The next step in calculating child support is to determine each parent’s percentage contribution to that combined income. For example, if one parent earns $700 per week and the other earns $300, their total combined income is $1,000. The $700 earner contributes 70% of the household income, while the $300 earner contributes 30%.

 

 

This income proportion is then used to determine how much each parent should contribute to the overall child support obligation. But how is the actual child support obligation determined?

This number reflects the estimated cost of raising the child or children, and it’s then divided between the parents based on their percentage share of the total income. Continuing our example: if the chart indicates a weekly support amount of $200 and one parent earns 70% of the combined income, that parent would be responsible for contributing $140 per week toward child support.

New Jersey provides a statewide child support guidelines chart, which is updated regularly and used as a benchmark in calculating child support. Across the top of this chart, you’ll see the number of children—ranging from one child to several. Along the left side (the vertical axis), you’ll find ranges of combined net weekly income. By locating the point where the number of children and the combined income intersect, the chart provides a basic child support obligation amount.

It’s important to note that calculating child support can also involve adjustments for parenting time, healthcare expenses, child care costs, and other factors.  The calculation may also be modified to include private school expenses, private tutoring, music lessons, specialized sports lessons, summer camps, and vacations. Because of this, working with a family law attorney or using official New Jersey child support calculators is highly recommended for the most accurate outcome.

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