Are you dealing with a child support issue in Freehold, New Jersey? An experienced family law attorney at the Law Office of Andrew A. Bestafka, Esq. can guide you through the process and protect your parental rights. Contact our Freehold child support lawyer today at (732) 898-2378 to schedule a consultation.
Attorney Andrew Bestafka has over a decade of experience helping parents navigate complex child support matters. He provides knowledgeable guidance and personalized representation to help clients protect their rights and their children’s financial well-being.
Why Choose the Law Office of Andrew A. Bestafka, Esq. for My Child Support Case in Freehold, NJ?
Choosing the right attorney can make a difference in your child support case. The Law Office of Andrew A. Bestafka, Esq. provides experienced, personalized family law representation in Freehold, NJ.
Here is what sets our Freehold family lawyer apart:
- Local experience: Attorney Bestafka grew up in Freehold and understands the Monmouth County court system.
- Strong education: He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Columbia University and earned his law degree from the University of Cincinnati.
- Dedicated family law practice: He has over a decade of experience handling child support, custody, divorce, and related matters.
- Professional recognition: He has been recognized as a Ten Best Family Lawyer in New Jersey and is active in local and state bar associations.
- Personalized attention: Attorney Bestafka works directly with clients throughout their cases.
Contact our Freehold child support attorney today to schedule a consultation and discuss your legal options.
How Does New Jersey Determine Child Support Amounts?
New Jersey uses what is known as the “income shares model” to calculate child support. This approach is based on the idea that a child should receive the same level of financial support they would have enjoyed if their parents had stayed together.
The calculation is found in NJ Court Rule 5:6A and takes several important factors into account. The court will look at both parents’ net income along with the custody arrangement in place. If the child spends two or fewer overnights per week with the non-custodial parent, the court applies the Sole Parenting Worksheet. When each parent has the child for more than two overnights per week, the Shared Parenting Worksheet is used instead.
The court may also consider additional expenses, such as health insurance premiums for the child and work-related childcare costs. Each case is different, and an experienced child support attorney can help you determine how these factors apply to your circumstances.
What Types of Child Support Matters Can Our Firm Handle?
Child support issues take many forms, and no two families face the exact same challenges. With over a decade of experience in family law, Attorney Bestafka is equipped to handle a wide range of matters.
We can assist you with:
- Establishing an initial child support order
- Requesting a modification due to a change in circumstances
- Defending against an unfair modification request
- Enforcing an existing order when payments are not being made
- Resolving disputes related to add-on expenses like medical bills or extracurriculars
- Addressing child support as part of a broader divorce proceeding
No matter how straightforward or complex your case may be, contact our Freehold family law attorney to discuss your options.
Does Custody Affect How Much Child Support Is Owed in New Jersey?
Custody arrangements play a significant role in how child support is calculated in New Jersey. The amount of time a child spends with each parent directly influences the financial obligation.
Under the state’s guidelines, the threshold for shared parenting is 104 overnights per year. If the non-custodial parent has the child for at least that many nights, the court applies a different formula that accounts for duplicated household expenses. This can result in a lower support obligation compared to a sole parenting calculation.
This is one reason why it is so important to work with a family law attorney who understands how custody and support interact. A change in your parenting schedule could affect the amount of support owed. Attorney Bestafka can evaluate both issues together and ensure that the arrangement is fair.
When Can a Freehold Child Support Order Be Changed?
Life does not stand still after a child support order is put in place. Things like job changes and health issues are just a few reasons a parent might need to request a modification.
New Jersey courts will consider modifying a child support order when there has been a significant change in circumstances. A parent who has experienced an involuntary job loss, for example, may be eligible for a reduction. On the other hand, an increase in the paying parent’s income could justify an upward adjustment.
It is important to go through the proper legal channels. Making informal agreements or simply stopping payments without court approval can lead to serious consequences. Our law firm can help you file a motion and present the evidence needed to support your request.
What Happens When a Parent Stops Paying Child Support?
New Jersey takes child support enforcement very seriously. If the other parent falls behind on payments, you have legal remedies available to compel compliance.
The state’s Probation Division handles the enforcement of most child support orders.
When payments are missed, the court can take a range of actions, including:
- Garnishing wages directly from the non-paying parent’s employer
- Intercepting tax refunds to cover unpaid support
- Suspending the non-paying parent’s driver’s license or professional licenses
- Holding the non-paying parent in contempt of court
These tools exist to protect your child’s right to financial support. If you are struggling to collect what is owed, an attorney can help you file the appropriate motions and pursue enforcement through the court system.
How Long Does Child Support Last in the State of New Jersey?
Under current New Jersey law, child support obligations terminate automatically when a child reaches the age of 19. However, this is not always the final word.
Support may continue beyond age 19 in certain situations. If the child is still enrolled in high school at that time, the obligation can extend. The same applies when a child has a physical or mental disability that existed before their 19th birthday. Additionally, a court order may specify a different termination age, though it generally cannot extend past the child’s 23rd birthday.
On the other end, a parent can also petition the court for emancipation before a child turns 19 if the circumstances justify it. Since these rules involve specific legal standards, working with a family law attorney is the safest way to ensure your rights are protected.
How a Family Lawyer Can Protect Your Interests in a Child Support Case
Child support disputes can be emotionally charged from the start, considering the outcome of your case will have a direct impact on both your financial stability and your child’s well-being. Having a knowledgeable attorney by your side ensures that your rights are respected throughout the process.
A Freehold family lawyer can assist you by:
- Explaining how New Jersey law applies to your specific situation
- Gathering documentation related to income and parenting time
- Preparing all necessary court filings and paperwork on your behalf
- Advocating for you at hearings and during negotiations
- Working to reach a resolution that serves your child’s best interests
Reach out to our office today for further information about your child support matter. Your initial consultation gives you the chance to ask questions and learn more about your options.
Get Trusted Legal Guidance From a Freehold Child Support Attorney
Child support matters deserve careful attention from someone who understands New Jersey family law inside and out. Attorney Andrew Bestafka has spent over a decade helping Freehold-area parents protect their interests and provide for their children. Now, our Freehold child support attorney is ready to get to work for you.
Contact the Law Office of Andrew A. Bestafka, Esq. today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward resolving your case.