Legal Question in Family Law in New Jersey
child support
My wife wants a divorce for unhappiness and would like me to pay child support of $180 dollars a week for food clothing and shelter. She also wants me to pay 200 every week for child care and a additional 100 a week in family spousal support. We agreed on joint custody and I would have my daughter a couple days a week as well. I don't think this is fair or agreeable because she wants me to basically pay for her to pay her bills in all this money because I make more than she does. Please get back to me to tell me if this is something the court can impose on me. I intend to get a attorney because this is crazy and she wants the divorce.
4 Answers from Attorneys
Re: child support
I agree with the other attorneys, you need an attorney. I know you already said you will get one, but please make sure you do as this should not be an expensive matter and if not handled correctly, it could cost you for years.
Child support is calculated using various numbers; primarily the income of both parties. However, there are numerous ways to ensure that you are paying the fair amount and not getting ripped off. Believe it or not, this doesn't always happen. Bottom line is, you will have to pay child support but you have to make sure you are paying the correct amount.
Depending on your situation, you may not have to pay anything else. To give you a better idea of what you are looking at and what your options are, I would have to review your case with you in great detail. Initial consultations are always free. My office is located in New Brunswick and I frequently practice in Middlesex, Somerset and the surrounding counties. Call my office at 732/247/3340 and we will schedule an appointment for you as soon as possible.
Re: child support
It is not your wife (or ex-wife) who can impose these obligations on you, it is a Court. Your case will likely call for the payment of child support from one spouse to the other. The calculation is driven by the income of both parents, and should include the cost and allocation of work related daycare. Spousal or (as defined by her) Family support, is a legal obligation that may or may not arise based upon the facts specific to each case. You should definately contact an attorney for advice and a consultation as it pertains to your specific situation. I have offices in Bergen County and Monmouth County if you are interested.
Re: child support
Hi,
I am not sure how your wife came up with $180.00 a week for child support. However, unless you are Court ordered, you do have to pay support, and might not have to pay this amount. If you both separate, and she becomes the parent of primary residence, then you would have an obligation to pay child support. This amount is calculated based on the total income of both you and your wife, and then plugged into the child support guidelines. So, you could end up paying less, the same or more child support depending on your income and her income.
As for family support, it sounds like she is asking for alimony. Again, there is no legal requirement to pay alimony unless Court ordered to pay. Without more information, I cannot tell you whether you would have to pay "family support" or alimony.
I would suggest that you do contact an attorney to provide more detailed answers.My office has been in business for over 10 years and has many satisfied customers that we can provide as referrals.
Please call my office if you would like to schedule an appointment. My contact information can be obtained from the links below. Let my secretary know you found me through LawGuru, and I will give you a free initial consultation.
Disclaimer: you can not rely on the advice of an attorney given over the internet. The exact facts of your situation, including facts which you have not mentioned in your question, may completely change the result for your situation.
Re: child support
What you will have to pay turns on your average net income; your wife's average net income or net income which is imputable to her and child support guidelines. Hire an attorney.
Gary Moore, Esquire
Hackensack, New Jersey
www.garymooreattorneyatlaw.com