New Jersey Child Support Calculator

Free instant estimate based on New Jersey's Income Shares model (Court Rules Appendix IX)

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Select a state and enter your monthly gross income to see an estimated child support payment based on net income.

How New Jersey Calculates Child Support

New Jersey calculates child support using the Income Shares Model as defined in Court Rules Appendix IX. Both parents' net incomes are combined to determine the total support obligation from the state schedule. Each parent's share is then allocated proportionally based on their percentage of the combined net income.

Unlike most states, New Jersey uses net income rather than gross income for its calculations. Health insurance premiums for the child, work-related childcare costs, and extraordinary medical expenses are added to the base obligation and shared proportionally. New Jersey also maintains a self-support reserve of $1,170 per month (2024) to ensure the obligor retains enough for their own basic needs.

New Jersey courts may impute income to parents who are voluntarily underemployed or unemployed, and shared parenting adjustments are available when both parents have significant overnight parenting time with the child.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does New Jersey calculate child support under the Income Shares method?
New Jersey uses the Income Shares Model under Court Rules Appendix IX. Both parents' net incomes are combined to determine the total support obligation, which is then allocated to each parent proportionally based on their share of combined net income.
What is the self-support reserve in New Jersey?
New Jersey maintains a self-support reserve of $1,170 per month (2024). This ensures the obligor parent retains enough income to meet their own basic living needs after paying child support.
Does New Jersey use gross or net income for child support?
New Jersey uses net income for child support calculations. This means federal and state taxes, Social Security, and Medicare are subtracted from gross income before the support calculation.
Does New Jersey consider both parents' income for child support?
Yes. New Jersey uses the Income Shares Model, which requires combining both parents' net incomes to determine the total support obligation. Each parent is responsible for their proportional share based on their percentage of combined income.
Can New Jersey child support be modified?
Yes. Either parent can request a modification if there has been a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant change in income, custody arrangements, or the child's needs.

Important Legal Disclaimer

The information provided on SupportCalc is for general informational and educational purposes only. Nothing on this website should be taken as legal advice. Child support calculations are estimates based on publicly available state guidelines and may not reflect the exact amount ordered by a court. Every case is unique, and many factors can affect the final support order. Please consult with a qualified family law attorney in your jurisdiction for advice specific to your situation.