Posts Tagged divorce lawyer

When Can Parents Stop Paying Child Support in New Jersey?

Typically, parents pay child support for the full childhood of a child. The age at which a child no longer relies on the support of their parent is debatable to some. Child support can take up a significant portion of your income, so you may be wondering when parents can stop paying child support in New Jersey.

What is the Age of Emancipation?

The age of emancipation refers to when a child is no longer legally dependent on their parents, and this may vary depending on the state. In New Jersey, the legal age of emancipation is 19 years old. This isn’t a hard stopping age for child support, though. The New Jersey courts recognize that each family is different.

The courts typically listen to a plea to stop paying child support on a case-by-case basis. One family may require child support beyond 19 years, while another may stop child support payments before 19 years.

Factors that Affect the Age of Emancipation

Some factors that may affect the age of emancipation include:

A child who is attending college
A child who is independent and moves away from home
A child who is earning a salary
A child who is married or with their own child

These are just a few of the factors that a family court may consider when determining a child’s need for child support. Some children may be capable of providing for themselves before the legal age of emancipation. New Jersey also allows children under 18 years who have moved out on their own or are supporting themselves to file for their own emancipation.

How to Emancipate Child Support in New Jersey

You can file a motion to emancipate a child to end child support payments. This is done through the New Jersey family court where you live. Working with a family lawyer can be beneficial to ensure you meet all the state’s filing requirements. It’s important to note that even if an emancipation request is approved, it doesn’t clear out any previously missed payments. Parents will still be responsible for all back pay child support payments they may have missed.

How is Child Support Calculated?

New Jersey uses a percentage model when calculating child support. The non-custodial parent is responsible for paying a set percentage of their income each month to the custodial parent. Even families with a shared parenting agreement may be required to pay child support, depending on the agreement.

If the inability to make child support payments is why you want to stop making them, other options may be available. If your income has changed, you can file a motion with the court to lower your monthly payments. Keep in mind, though, that the court could increase your monthly payments if your income has increased. New Jersey allows you to modify your child support payments once every three years. The court requires that you show proof that there has been a significant change in circumstances.

If you have questions about child support, including when you can stop paying or how to adjust your amount, reach out to a family law lawyer.

Contact a Camden Family Law Attorney for a Consultation About Child Custody in New Jersey Today

If you are thinking about filing for divorce, or if you have already started the divorce process and are dealing with another matter, such as child custody, child support, or division of assets, you need to speak with a qualified attorney. The New Jersey family law attorneys at The Law Offices of Daniel K. Newman represent clients throughout the state, including Camden, Cherry Hill, Gloucester Township, and Winslow. We understand how challenging this time can be for you, which is why we will fight hard to protect your interests, and the interests of your loved ones, throughout the legal process. Call us at (856) 309-9007 or fill out our confidential contact form to schedule a consultation. We have an office conveniently located at 1202 Laurel Oak Rd # 207, Voorhees Township, NJ 08043.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.

11 Tips for Getting a Divorce

Divorce can be difficult whether you have anticipated it for a while or have just recently received divorce papers. Regardless of where you’re at in the divorce process, we have compiled a list of tips to help navigate divorce in New Jersey:

Always Work with a Divorce Lawyer

It may be tempting to save a few dollars and represent yourself. However, you’re far more likely to end up losing out financially when you don’t work with someone familiar with New Jersey divorce laws.

Don’t Move Around Assets

Even if you aren’t doing it with bad intentions, moving around assets can look bad when going through a divorce. If you have to move money around, be sure to let your spouse and lawyer know first.

Don’t Settle Until Your Lawyer Looks Everything Over

A settlement isn’t a bad thing, as it can speed up the process. However, have your lawyer do a final evaluation before agreeing and signing any paperwork to best protect your rights.

Protect Your Image

Anything you do during the divorce process can be used against you. Protect your image by avoiding social media during your divorce.

Keep Your Kids in Mind During This Time

Divorce can be difficult for children. Dividing assets can lead to disagreements, which can easily lead to the children being placed in the middle of things.

Never Ignore the Judge’s Orders

The judge doesn’t always rule in your favor. If you don’t agree with a judge’s order, it’s best to work with your lawyer on filing an appeal rather than ignoring the order altogether.

Try to Be Realistic

The negotiations will go faster when both spouses are realistic. Instead of trying to win or get your ex-spouse back one last time, try to shift your focus to the future.

Practice Self-Care

Self-care is important during this stressful time. In addition to taking care of yourself, it can help you clear your mind for upcoming divorce negotiations.

Learn What to Expect

Learning what to expect each step of the way can be relieving. This is another reason why it’s so important to choose the right lawyer, as they will guide you through each step of the process.

Take Inventory of Your Assets as Soon as Possible

As soon as you consider divorce or receive divorce papers, take inventory of all your shared assets as soon as possible. This can help you prioritize and prevent your ex-spouse from hiding assets you may not know about. Track down all bank account numbers and loan documents you may need.

Know What You Want

Going into the divorce process knowing what you want and what’s most important to you can help when it comes time to make decisions. Make a list of the things most important to you.

Divorce is a difficult time for the whole family. Planning and preparation can help you get through the divorce without affecting you or your children too greatly. Go into the divorce knowing that you’re likely to have disagreements with your ex-spouse and that the negotiating skills of our legal representation may be more important than you think.

Contact a Voorhees Family Law Attorney for a Consultation About Divorce in New Jersey Today

If you are thinking about filing for divorce, or if you have already started the divorce process and are dealing with another matter such as child custody, child support, or division of assets, you need to speak with a qualified attorney. The New Jersey family law attorneys at The Law Offices of Daniel K. Newman represent clients throughout the state, including Voorhees, Moorestown, Cherry Hill, and Somerdale. We understand how challenging this time can be for you, which is why we will fight hard to protect your interests, and the interests of your loved ones, throughout the legal process. Call us at (856) 309-9007 or fill out our confidential contact form to schedule a consultation. We have an office conveniently located at 1202 Laurel Oak Rd # 207, Voorhees Township, NJ 08043.

How to Handle Thoughts of Divorce During Valentine’s Day

How to Handle Your First Valentine's Day After Divorce

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. For some, it is a day to celebrate your relationship and acts as a reminder to show your significant other that you appreciate and love them. For others, it’s a day that can remind them of the unhappiness that they currently feel in their relationship.

Valentine’s Day Leads Many to Consider Divorce

While some couples are preparing for Valentine’s Day with dinner reservations and ordering gifts, others are researching information about divorce. What is sometimes referred to as the Valentine’s Effect in the legal industry, is an increase in people reaching out to a lawyer to learn more about divorce.

There are a few reasons why divorce is on the mind of many couples around Valentine’s Day, including:

High expectations: Valentine’s Day brings with it high expectations. When a significant other doesn’t meet those expectations, it may lead some to wonder if divorce would make them happier.
Final consideration: Valentine’s Day follows the busiest holiday season of the year. If a couple is already recovering from the stress of the holidays and things don’t improve by Valentine’s Day, they may begin the process of considering divorce.
Extra-marital affairs: Valentine’s Day can also uncover extra-marital affairs as people make plans or buy gifts for other people.
Holiday disagreements: Certain milestones throughout the year, including Valentine’s Day, can remind couples how different they are or how much they’ve grown apart.

These are just a few reasons why Valentine’s Day brings up the consideration of divorce for some couples. For some, it may be a new thought, one that comes after they feel disappointed by their spouse’s way of celebrating. For others, it may be the last of a series of disappointments of previous events or celebrations.

Either way, it’s a perfectly normal thought. There’s nothing wrong with reaching out and learning more about divorce to help you decide if it’s what you want. For some, it may be the behavior that you need to recognize that you and your spouse aren’t happy and that if you want your marriage to work, you’ll need to take action soon. For others, it may be a decision that you have already made but have put off for a while now. Either way, we’re willing to help you talk through this big life decision.

How To Navigate This Stressful Holiday

Valentine’s Day has been publicized and commercialized with commercials of people bringing home extravagant flower bouquets and presents for their loved ones. This can lead even the happiest of couples to feel disappointed when their loved one works late on Valentine’s Day or doesn’t meet their expectations when it comes to giving gifts.

The secret to surviving Valentine’s Day is to manage your expectations and make time for your spouse. What works for one couple may not work for another, so it’s important to consider the needs of your spouse and marriage. If you’re unhappy, this is a good time to bring up the conversation and make the necessary changes for happiness.

Contact a Cherry Hill Family Law Attorney for a Consultation About Divorce in New Jersey Today

If you are thinking about filing for divorce, or if you have already started the divorce process and are dealing with another matter such as child custody, child support, or division of assets, you need to speak with a qualified attorney. The New Jersey family law attorneys at The Law Offices of Daniel K. Newman represent clients throughout the state, including Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Marlton, and Moorestown. We understand how challenging this time can be for you, which is why we will fight hard to protect your interests, and the interests of your loved ones, throughout the legal process. Call us at (856) 309-9007 or fill out our confidential contact form to schedule a consultation. We have an office conveniently located at 1202 Laurel Oak Rd #207 Voorhees Township, NJ 08043.