New Jersey Child Support Calculator

New Jersey uses the Income Shares Model under Court Rule 5:6A, combining both parents' net incomes and referencing standardized guidelines tables based on the number of children. Each parent's share is proportional to their percentage of combined net income — for example, a parent earning 65% of total income pays 65% of the basic support obligation. The guidelines apply to combined net incomes up to $187,200 per year ($3,600 weekly), with courts applying N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23 factors for income above that threshold.

New Jersey child support calculations use gross income from virtually all sources, including wages, salaries, commissions, overtime, bonuses, tips, unemployment benefits, workers' compensation, and lottery winnings under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23. Deductions are then taken for federal and state income taxes, Social Security tax (6.2% on the first $176,100 in 2025), Medicare tax (1.45%), mandatory union dues, and required retirement contributions. The resulting net income from both parents is combined to determine the basic support award.

New Jersey uses two separate guidelines worksheets depending on the custody arrangement. If the parent of alternate residence has fewer than 104 overnights per year (under 28%), the Sole-Parenting Worksheet (Appendix IX-C) applies. If that parent has 28% or more overnights and maintains separate living accommodations for the child, the Shared-Parenting Worksheet (Appendix IX-D) is used, which reduces the basic support amount based on the number of overnights and combined net income.

New Jersey courts allow child support modification when there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as job loss, significant income increase or decrease, changes in parenting time, or a child's changing needs. Either the Plaintiff or Defendant may file a motion with the Family Division to request modification under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23. The court will recalculate support using updated income figures and the current guidelines tables. Parents should file for modification promptly rather than simply stopping or reducing payments, as unpaid support accrues as enforceable arrears.

Beyond the basic support obligation from the guidelines tables, New Jersey adds several categories of expenses to the calculation: work-related childcare costs (net of tax credits), children's health insurance premiums, unreimbursed medical and dental expenses exceeding $250 per child per year, and other court-approved extraordinary expenses. These additional costs are split between parents in the same proportion as the basic support award. Predictable recurring expenses for extracurricular activities may also be included at the court's discretion.

New Jersey's guidelines tables cover combined net incomes from $180 to $3,600 per week ($9,360 to $187,200 annually). For combined incomes below $180 per week, the court exercises discretion based on N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23 factors. For combined incomes above $187,200 per year, the guidelines amount serves as the minimum award, with supplemental support determined by the children's reasonable needs and the parents' standard of living. A self-support reserve ensures the paying parent retains at least $451 per week (150% of the 2025 federal poverty guideline for one person).

Under N.J.S.A. 2A:17-56.67, New Jersey child support automatically terminates when a child turns 19. However, the custodial parent may file to extend support beyond age 19 if the child is enrolled full-time in college or vocational school, or has a qualifying disability that predates age 19. Support cannot extend past age 23 except in disability cases. The Probation Division sends termination notices 180 days and 90 days before the child's 19th birthday. Parents must file continuation requests before the child turns 19.

New Jersey enforces child support through multiple mechanisms under N.J.S.A. 2A:17-56.41 and related statutes. Enforcement actions include automatic wage garnishment of up to 65% of income, driver's and professional license suspension after six months of delinquency, federal and state tax refund intercepts, bank account levies, property liens, passport denial for arrears exceeding $2,500, lottery winnings intercepts, and credit bureau reporting. In cases of willful non-payment, courts may hold the obligor in contempt and order incarceration until a purge payment is made.