Child Support Attorney in Somerset County, New Jersey
Spending quality time with your children and providing for them a safe and stable home life are vital roles for a parent. Everyone wants what’s best for their child—but even under the most ideal circumstances, doing this takes continuous effort and dedication. When two parents divorce or separate, their obligations to their children remain and they now must forge new paths and routines. Two of the biggest decisions they’re tasked with making concern child custody and child support. No one is ever quite prepared for this emotional and complex process, which is why it’s so important to reach out to a family law attorney.
If you’d like to learn more about establishing a child support arrangement and are in the Somerset County area or anywhere throughout Basking Ridge, Warren, Somerville, and Bedminster, reach out to me at Gary Blaustein, Esq. I’m proud to serve individuals and families throughout the entire state of New Jersey.
Get started today by contacting Attorney Blaustein online or call (908) 212-9630.
Key Insights on Child Support in New Jersey
When two people build a life together and decide to start a family, they’re usually counting on always having two people contributing to the household. However, when a separation or divorce occurs, they must now figure out a way to separate their lives and finances and create two separate households to raise their child. Naturally, the costs to do this will be higher and there is often one parent who ends up needing financial support from the other to maintain their standard of living and provide for the child.
There are typically two ways that a couple can decide the amount of money (if any) that needs to exchange hands—either between themselves or by turning to the courts.
- Without court intervention: If you’re still on relatively good speaking terms with your co-parent and you’re both committed to finding solutions, you may be able to agree on an amount that works for both of you. The New Jersey Department of Human Services provides a free, online calculator (called QuickCalc) that can be a great starting point for determining a fair amount.
Your Family's Ally in the Legal System
Here's What Sets Attorney Gary Blaustein Apart
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Attorney Blaustein excels at navigating the legal system for complicated family matters; your resolution is top priority.
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Your strategy is as unique as your case, and Attorney Blaustein will leave no stone unturned in pursuit of what's best for your family.
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With experience across the board in the legal field, Attorney Blaustein has a long track record of winning for clients like you.
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As a skilled litigator with decades in the courtroom, Attorney Blaustein is prepared for any direction your case may take.
Modifying an Existing Arrangement
At some point, it’s likely you’ll need to request a child support modification from the courts. There are generally three ways this can happen:
- Change in circumstances: Typically, when one party requests a change in support payments, they must show there’s been a “substantial change in circumstances.” For example, gaining or losing a job, incarceration, or a change in health care needs could constitute a “substantial change in circumstances.”
- Cost-of-living adjustment: Per state law, all support arrangements will be automatically revised every two years to account for cost-of-living adjustments (COLA). The courts will send out a notice of the new amounts which you can then contest if needed.
- Agency review: A parent can request an agency review every three years without needing to show a substantial change in circumstances. If the review finds that an adjustment of at least 20% is needed, they will recommend a modification.