Child support can be one of the most difficult hurdles to conquer when a couple decides to divorce in New Jersey. The balance needs to be made between providing for the child’s needs but also acknowledging the economic realities of both the custodial and noncustodial parents. In most cases, the noncustodial parent will pay child support to the custodial parent.
Providing child support is viewed as one way of preventing a child in a single parent home from slipping into poverty. In some cases, divorcing parents will try to reach child support agreements on their own or will not include a settlement in the divorce agreement. The U.S. Census shows that the number of agreements in place over the past decade has decreased. The deficit amount between what is owed in existing orders and what had been paid was $13.5 billion in 2015.
Courts have recently tried to be fair and order child support payments that can be met. Fewer than half of poor custodial parents had child support orders in place in 2015 as opposed to 59 percent in 2003. While child support payments can be helpful to the custodial parent, the noncustodial parent can also be involved in the child’s life and help out in other ways beside just the monetary ones.
Deciding to divorce when a child is involved is usually a very difficult decision. Providing for the welfare of the child after a divorce can be an emotional and challenging process in New Jersey. Having a conversation with an experienced family law attorney can bring a calming third party into the discussion. An experienced lawyer can help the client look at his or her situation and help to determine a good outcome for all involved.