Child Support Lawyer
Divorcing parents must reach an agreement when it comes to making sure their children have the financial support they need.
Our child support lawyers can help parents establish an arrangement that truly serves their children's best interests.
Dunne, Dunne & Cohen, LLC has offices in Kearny, Avon-By-The-Sea, and Hoboken, NJ, to serve you. Reach out today to request a consultation:
An Overview of Child Support Laws in New Jersey
Child support laws in the state follow a strict formula, known as the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines. These guidelines follow an “Income Shares Model” of support. Simply put, the formula calculates the total support parents would spend on a child if the family were intact, divided proportionally between the parents according to how much income they each earn.
The goal of child support is for children to receive the identical amount of parental income they would receive if both parents lived together. While this may sound simple in theory, an attorney needs to ensure certain factors are carefully weighed and that the formula is properly applied. Our Hoboken-area lawyers can thoroughly evaluate these factors to help ensure fairness in child support cases.
Child Support Orders Establish The Details of Your Agreement
Child support orders can be created during a divorce, when an unmarried parent wants child support, or through the involvement of state government agencies. Regardless of the reason you need our services, our attorneys can explore the best ways to make sure your child's needs are met, in or out of court.
When it comes to child support payment, orders establish amounts that must be paid, determine the procedure for payment, and set penalties for violating the order. Failure to pay can result in the seizure of property, loss of various licenses, and even jail time.
Put Your Family's Best Interests First Family Law Does Not Have to be a Nightmare
If your relationship with your child’s other parent is ending, our law firm can help. Our child support lawyers have spent more than 60 combined years practicing family law.
We have three convenient locations in Avon-By-The-Sea, NJ, Kearney, NJ, and Hoboken, NJ, office just outside of Jersey City. We pride ourselves on meeting the varied needs of parents throughout the state.
Child support rules can be complicated. You need a lawyer with an in-depth understanding of how to file modifications for child support, and who knows how to enforce and monitor child support payments. The attorneys at Dunne, Dunne & Cohen, LLC can help you navigate the process. Call or write to us to request a free consultation.
(201) 998-2727
We Help Hoboken, NJ, and Beyond
"For both divorce and child support/custody issues, call Leonard Cohen at Dunne,Dunne & Cohen. He is great, knowledgeable and tough, very tough! The whole process of going to court was very nerve wracking and Lenny did a great job at being that to ease. I was always treated first class and like I am family. You are in good hands with Dunne,Dunne & Cohen !" Francisco Pena
What Sets Our Attorneys Apart Child Support Lawyers Who Are on Your Side
We have offices in Kearny, Avon-By-The-Sea, an Hoboken to help you through your child support issues
Meet Our Lead Family Law Attorney
Leonard B. Cohen
Leonard B. Cohen leads our family law team at Dunne, Dunne & Cohen, LLC. He is known for his ability to explain complex legal concepts in terms clients can understand. Admitted to the New Jersey Bar and the United States District Court, District of New Jersey in 2009, Leonard has been helping families through some of the most difficult changes in their lives for more than 15 years. Leonard works at our Kearny and Hoboken offices.
Shared vs. Sole Parenting Our Child Support Attorneys Will Help You Understand
Parents are required by law to support their children, regardless of whether they are in a sole or shared parenting situation. New Jersey state law dictates specific parameters to distinguish between sole and shared parenting:
Sole Parenting
If you are the custodial parent and your child spends less than 28% of his or her time (less than 104 nights in a year) with the non-custodial parent, it is considered a sole parenting arrangement. In this arrangement, the sole parent will receive a larger share of the total available income for support than they would in a shared parenting arrangement. This is because the courts presume the parent will be paying larger direct costs to raise the child, and taking on higher fixed expenses.
Shared Parenting
If you are the custodial parent and your child spends more than 28% of his or her time with the non-custodial parent, it is considered shared parenting in New Jersey. In these cases, the parent who spends the majority of the time with the child will receive a smaller fraction of the total available income than they would have in a sole parenting arrangement.
Estimating Child Support Payments
You can estimate how much child support a judge might order by using the sole parenting worksheet or the shared parenting worksheet. When a parent seeks to either establish or modify child support, the court requires these worksheets to be completed.
Alternatively, you can get a rough estimate of child support obligations using a child support calculator. It is important to keep in mind that these are rough estimates and that the final determination will be made in court.
Terminating or Modifying
Child Support Obligations
There are circumstances in which the court may either modify or terminate child support agreements. A court may modify an order if there has been a change in circumstances that is material and ongoing. Support will terminate automatically if a support order includes a specific date or event of termination.
While state law does not identify a specific age at which a parent’s obligation to support their child ceases, child support guidelines do not apply to children at 19 years old. However, the courts will sometimes order a parent to contribute support for a child until the age of 23 if they are still in high school, attending postsecondary education full-time, or disabled.
Fighting for Back Payments
When your ex isn't paying child support, you may not be able to provide the quality of life that your child needs and deserves. Under the worst circumstances, you may be forced to delay medical care for your child or lose your home.
If your ex is continuously late on payments, pays less than the agreed-upon amount, or has stopped paying, our child support attorneys can help you take legal action in pursuit of back payments.
Rave Reviews for Our Lawyers
Christine Carroll
Hoboken, NJ
2024
I have had the pleasure of working with Lenny on a family law related topic and he was nothing short of exceptional. He was understanding of the situation, compassionate, and level headed while also passionate about what was right and fair for me. He is a straight shooter and will tell you the facts, while delivering them in a way you understand... He provided me with a sense of ease and confidence, even in the worst of times. I highly recommend Lenny for any Family Law needs.
View on GoogleJose Prieto
Kearny, NJ
2024
I have to say thank you for your efforts and legal services I felt lost and in fear Mary Pat took her time to explain and guide me through the process in which it is very scary, in this day and age with so many horror stories of others with similar circumstances and outcomes like my situation after thinking the worst it turned out to be a very favorable outcome in which my interests were protected and I was very satisfied with the overall outcome.
View on GoogleHelping in a Variety of Family Law Cases
Try Mediation Before Going to Court
If you're going through a divorce, our Hoboken law firm recommends you and your ex try to negotiate the specifics of your separation prior to going before a judge. Mediation allows divorcing parties to meet with a neutral third party to arrange child custody, child support, asset division, alimony, and more. While mediation requires a couple to be on amicable terms, the process is less expensive, stressful, and time-consuming than the alternative. Our attorney can be in the room as you and your ex work toward an outcome that serves your children's best interests.
Our Lawyers Make a Difference in Kearny, Avon-By-The-Sea, and Hoboken, NJ
"Outstanding Legal team. Behind every great lawyer is even better legal staff. Chip and Fred Dunne have assisted me on several matters of which yielded favorable results. Navigating legal matters requires subject matter experts and also people who have your best interest at heart. I highly recommend this law firm and the staff employed there. You are in the best of hands with Dunne, Dunne & Cohen. I could not be happier and with the quality and professionalism of this firm." Karen Baker
