Child Support Calculations in New Jersey

New Jersey uses the Income Shares model to calculate child support, governed by Rule 5:6A and Appendices IX-A through IX-H. The Guidelines, last updated effective June 1, 2025, create a presumptively correct support amount based on what intact families at various income levels spend on children. Whether you're navigating an uncontested or contested divorce, understanding how New Jersey calculates child support is essential.

The Income Shares Model

New Jersey's Income Shares model determines the Basic Child Support Amount (BCSA) from Appendix IX-F based on combined net weekly income and number of children. The schedule provides values in $10 increments up to a combined net annual income of $187,200 ($3,600/week). For income above this cap, courts apply the table amount plus a discretionary supplement based on the child's needs and family circumstances.

Each parent's share of the BCSA is proportional to their share of the combined net income. For example, if Parent A earns 60% of combined income, they're responsible for 60% of the support obligation.

Determining Net Income

"Net income" is gross income minus allowable deductions. Gross income includes nearly all sources:

• Wages, salaries, tips, commissions, and bonuses
• Self-employment income (gross receipts minus ordinary business expenses)
• Rental income, dividends, interest, and capital gains
• Pensions, retirement distributions, and annuities
• Workers' compensation and unemployment benefits
• Military allowances (BAS/BAH)

Allowable deductions include: Federal/state/local taxes, FICA/Medicare (wage base $176,100 for 2025), mandatory union dues, mandatory retirement contributions, and court-ordered support paid for other dependents.

Excluded: Means-tested benefits (TANF, SNAP, SSI) are not counted as income.

Parenting-Time Adjustments

New Jersey uses two different worksheets based on the Parent of Alternate Residence (PAR)'s overnight percentage:

• Sole-Parenting Worksheet (IX-C): Use when PAR has less than 28% overnights (under 104 nights/year). PAR receives a variable-expense credit equal to BCSA × 37% × PAR's overnight share.
• Shared-Parenting Worksheet (IX-D): Use when PAR has 28%+ overnights (104+ nights/year) with separate accommodations. This method accounts for two-household costs with a more complex formula.

The Guidelines divide child-rearing expenses into three categories: Fixed (38%) for housing costs, Variable (37%) for food and transportation that follow the child, and Controlled (25%) for items managed by the primary parent.

Estimate Your New Jersey Child Support

Use our calculator to get a preliminary estimate. For official calculations, use the NJ Child Support QuickCalc.

Self-Support Reserve (SSR)

New Jersey protects low-income obligors through the Self-Support Reserve, set at $451 per week for 2025 (150% of the federal poverty guideline). Key rules:

• If paying support would leave the obligor below $451/week, the order is reduced
• However, if the primary household would also fall below $451/week, no reduction is made
• Minimum order: Even in extreme low-income cases, a $5/week order is typically set
• For combined income below $170/week, courts set a fixed amount between $5 and the table value at $180

Add-Ons: Childcare, Medical, and Extraordinary Expenses

Beyond the BCSA, New Jersey requires allocation of additional expenses:

• Work-related childcare: Net cost (after tax credits, calculated via Appendix IX-E) is shared proportionally by income
• Child's health insurance: The child-only portion of premiums is added and shared by income
• Unreimbursed medical: First $250/child/year is included in BCSA; predictable recurring amounts above that can be added; unpredictable costs are shared as incurred
• Extraordinary expenses: Private school tuition, special needs, or significant travel costs may be added if court-approved

Common Calculation Mistakes

• Wrong worksheet: The 28% threshold (104 overnights) determines which worksheet to use—vacations and holidays don't count toward shared-parenting qualification
• Forgetting the PPR household floor: In shared-parenting cases, the primary household must maintain at least 2× the poverty guideline
• Extrapolating above the cap: For income over $187,200/year, apply the table amount at the cap plus a discretionary supplement—do not extrapolate the table
• Missing the other-dependent deduction: Parents supporting other legal dependents may qualify for a deduction on Line 2d
• Using outdated figures: The 2025 SSR is $451/week (up from $434 in 2024); always use current Appendix IX-H tax tables

Modification and Duration

New Jersey provides multiple pathways to modify support:

• Changed circumstances: Court motion under the Lepis standard (substantial, continuing change)
• Biennial COLA: Automatic cost-of-living adjustment every two years (Rule 5:6B)
• Triennial review: In IV-D agency cases, either party may request review every 3 years

Duration: Support terminates at age 19 by operation of law unless the child is still in high school, enrolled in college full-time, or has qualifying disability. Maximum age is 23, except for severely disabled adult children who may receive continued "financial maintenance."

Enforcement Options

New Jersey provides robust enforcement tools:

• Income withholding: Immediate in most cases; triggers at 14 days' arrears otherwise
• Tax refund intercept: Federal ($500+ arrears non-public assistance) and state offsets
• License suspension: Driver's, professional, and sporting licenses when arrears reach 6 months
• Passport denial: For arrears exceeding $2,500
• Credit reporting: Arrears over $1,000 reported to credit bureaus

Key Takeaways

• Income Shares model: BCSA from Appendix IX-F based on combined net weekly income
• $187,200/year cap: Above this, apply table amount plus discretionary supplement
• 28% overnight threshold: Determines sole vs. shared-parenting worksheet
• SSR protection: $451/week (2025) ensures obligor retains subsistence income
• $5/week minimum: Even in extreme low-income cases
• Terminates at 19: With exceptions for education and disability up to age 23

For more information about New Jersey divorce processes, see our New Jersey divorce timeline and filing checklist.