New Jersey Child Support Calculator

New Jersey uses the income shares model. New Jersey uses the Income Shares Model for child support calculations. Both parents' net incomes are combined and matched to the Schedule of Basic Child Support Awards (Appendix IX-F to Court Rules) to determine the base obligation. Each parent's share is proportional to their percentage of the combined income. Additional costs for health insurance, childcare, and extraordinary expenses are added. Parenting time adjustments may apply. As of January 1, 2025, the self-support reserve is $451 per week (150% of poverty guideline for one person).

Gross income from all sources is typically used, including wages, salary, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, investment income, Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, and disability benefits. Courts may also impute income if a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.

Child support in New Jersey generally continues until the child turns 18, or through high school graduation if the child is still in school. Some orders extend to age 19 or 21 depending on the state and circumstances (college support, special needs).

Yes, child support orders in New Jersey can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances. Common reasons include significant income changes (job loss, promotion), changes in custody arrangement, changes in the child's needs, or changes in healthcare costs.

New Jersey has enforcement mechanisms including wage garnishment, tax refund interception, license suspension (driver's and professional), bank account levies, contempt of court charges, and reporting to credit bureaus. Failure to pay can result in fines and jail time.