New Jersey Child Support Calculator
Calculate child support using New Jersey's official guidelines
Income Shares Model with Parenting Time Adjustments
Income Shares Model with Parenting Time Adjustments
How New Jersey Calculates Child Support
NJ Child Support Guidelines Process
New Jersey uses the Income Shares Model, which combines both parents' incomes to determine the total support obligation, then allocates responsibility based on each parent's share of income.
Step 1: Calculate Gross Income
Determine each parent's gross income from all sources including wages, self-employment, investments, and benefits.
Step 2: Calculate Net Income
Subtract mandatory deductions: federal and state taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and mandatory retirement.
Step 3: Determine Combined Net Income
Add both parents' net incomes together to get Combined Net Parental Income (CNPI).
Step 4: Look Up Basic Child Support
Use the NJ Child Support Guidelines schedules to find the basic support amount based on CNPI and number of children.
Step 5: Calculate Parenting Time Adjustment
Apply the Parenting Time Adjustment (PTA) based on overnights with each parent.
Step 6: Add Supplemental Expenses
Add child care, health insurance, and unreimbursed medical expenses proportionally.
New Jersey-Specific Rules
- Uses Income Shares Model (both parents contribute based on income)
- Parenting Time Adjustment (PTA) for 28%+ overnights
- Guidelines cover combined incomes up to $187,200 (2024)
- Above-guidelines cases use discretion based on child's needs
- Shared parenting worksheet for 28%+ time
- Self-support reserve protects low-income obligors
Parenting Time Adjustment (PTA)
New Jersey applies a Parenting Time Adjustment when the non-custodial parent has the children for 28% or more of overnights (approximately 102+ nights per year).
| Overnights | Adjustment Type |
|---|---|
| 0-27% | No PTA - Standard Guidelines |
| 28-50% | Shared Parenting Worksheet applies |
| Equal (50/50) | Modified calculation - higher earner pays difference |
When both parents have significant parenting time (28%+), NJ uses a Shared Parenting Worksheet that accounts for duplicated expenses and adjusts support accordingly.
What Income Is Included?
Income Sources Counted
- Wages, salaries, tips, and commissions
- Self-employment income (net)
- Bonuses and overtime
- Unemployment and disability benefits
- Workers' compensation
- Social Security benefits
- Pension and retirement income
- Rental and investment income
- Alimony received from this or prior marriage
- Trust income and annuities
Deductions Allowed
- Federal and state income taxes
- Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA)
- Mandatory retirement contributions
- Union dues
- Health insurance premiums (for self only)
- Alimony paid from this case
- Child support paid for other children
Factors That Affect NJ Child Support
Combined Net Income
Both parents' net incomes are combined to determine the total support obligation using NJ guidelines schedules.
Number of Children
The basic support amount increases with each child, following the NJ Child Support Guidelines schedules.
Parenting Time
The Parenting Time Adjustment (PTA) applies when the non-custodial parent has 28%+ overnights (102+ per year).
Healthcare Costs
Health insurance premiums for the children and unreimbursed medical expenses are added to basic support.
Childcare Costs
Work-related childcare expenses are added to basic support and shared proportionally by income.
Other Children
Court may consider legal obligation to support other children when calculating ability to pay.
Important Legal Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates only and is not legal advice. New Jersey courts use the official Child Support Guidelines and may deviate from guideline amounts in certain circumstances. For combined incomes above $187,200, courts use discretion. Consult with a qualified New Jersey family law attorney for advice about your specific situation. Reference: N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23a, Appendix IX-A to R. 5:6A.
Calculate Your New Jersey Child Support
Use our free calculator to estimate child support based on NJ guidelines. Splitifi can help you track payments, document expenses, and plan custody schedules.