All parents are responsible for financially supporting their children. Child support is often a contentious aspect of a divorce or family law proceeding because it must be paid until the child is emancipated (typically occurs at age 21, sometimes later if the child attends college, and sometimes sooner under narrow circumstances). As such, it is important to have zealous advocacy as it pertains to child support.

In New York and New Jersey, the non-custodial parent is required to pay a percentage of his or her income to the custodial parent as child support. Child support covers the child’s necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter. The non-custodial parent can also be required to contribute to other expenses, including:

• Educational expenses, including private school tuition
• Childcare expenses
• Unreimbursed medical expenses
• Extracurricular activities
• Special needs expenses

Child support is calculated using statutory guidelines, which establish the base amount of support that must be paid based on the parent’s income and the number of children. The add-on expenses are paid in proportion to each of the parent’s income.

Murgolo & Rutigliano can assist you with filing for child support, seeking a modification of a child support order based upon a change in circumstances, or filing for a violation of a child support order. Murgolo & Rutigliano also offers representation for individuals who are facing a violation of child support, which are serious matters in which a parent can be incarcerated for failing to pay child support. If you find yourself accused of failing to pay child support, you should seek legal counsel immediately.