What Is Child Support Supposed to Pay For in New Jersey?
Child support is one of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of family law—and one of the most frequently contested. In New Jersey, child support is designed to ensure that children receive consistent financial support from both parents, regardless of who the child primarily lives with.
At Simon Law Group, LLC, we help parents understand their rights and obligations when it comes to child support—whether you're paying, receiving, or disputing how the funds are being used.
What Does Child Support Cover?
In general, child support is meant to cover the child’s basic needs, including:
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Food and groceries
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Clothing and shoes
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Shelter (rent, utilities, household expenses)
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Transportation and basic vehicle costs
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Health care not covered by insurance
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School supplies and basic educational costs
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Entertainment, personal care items, and miscellaneous everyday needs
The idea is to share the ordinary costs of raising a child in proportion to each parent’s income and parenting time.
How Is Child Support Calculated in NJ?
New Jersey uses a standardized formula known as the Child Support Guidelines, which consider several factors. Two of the most influential are:
These guidelines help generate a baseline weekly child support amount, which may be adjusted based on unique circumstances.
Common Disputes: How the Money Is Used
Despite the guidelines, many co-parents disagree about what child support should be used for. Some parents believe the other isn’t using the money for the child’s benefit, leading to frustration and legal battles. In such cases, courts may intervene to determine whether child support is being properly applied.
Need Help With Child Support?
Whether you're seeking to calculate, modify, or enforce child support, it's important to have a skilled family law attorney on your side. The team at Simon Law Group, LLC has years of experience helping parents across New Jersey navigate these complex and emotionally charged issues.
Contact us today 800-709-1131 to speak with an attorney who will advocate for your child’s best interests—and yours.
