in Pennsylvania and New Jersey
Both Pennsylvania and New Jersey utilize Child Support Guidelines in determining the appropriate amount of child support to be paid. The Child Support Guidelines consider the incomes of each of the parents. The parent who has the children the majority of the time will be entitled to child support, regardless if they earn more than the other parent. The only expenses that are typically considered when calculating support are child care, school tuition and camps, and out of pocket medical expenses. Child support orders are not set in stone. If there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as getting a raise or losing a job, the child support amount can be recalculated. The major difference in child support between Pennsylvania and New Jersey is that in Pennsylvania, the child support obligation ends when the child turns 18, and in New Jersey, support can be paid if the child attends college.
A spouse may also be required to pay spousal support is there is a disparity in the parties’ incomes. In those instances, the higher earning spouse will either pay support directly to the lower earning spouse or may be ordered to pay expenses on their behalf. In Pennsylvania, spousal support is calculated similarly to the Child Support Guidelines and focus mainly on the parties’ incomes. In New Jersey, the lower earning spouse’s expenses are factored in when determining the appropriate amount of support.
The attorneys at Console Matison LLP have extensive experience in handling child and spousal support matters for parties with all different financial circumstances. We are dedicated to ensuring you are receiving or paying the support amount you are entitled to.
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