New Jersey Child Support Calculator (2026)

Estimate your child support payments in New Jersey using our free calculator based on the official NJ Court Rule 5:6A. Enter your income details below to get an instant estimate.

New Jersey Child Support Calculator

Based on New Jersey's 2024 NJ Court Rule 5:6A

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This is an estimate only. See our full disclaimer.

Key Facts: Child Support in New Jersey

  • New Jersey uses the Income Shares model based on both parents' combined net income after taxes and mandatory deductions.
  • The guidelines schedule covers combined net incomes up to $3,600 per week (approximately $15,600 per month).
  • Each parent pays their proportional share of the total obligation based on their percentage of the combined net income.
  • A shared parenting time adjustment applies when the non-custodial parent has the child for at least 28% of overnights.
  • New Jersey child support continues until the child is emancipated, which typically occurs at age 19 but may extend through college in some cases.

Source: NJ Court Rule 5:6A • Last verified: 2026-05-30

How Much Is Child Support in New Jersey?

If you make $60,000 a year in New Jersey, child support for 1 child is estimated at $536 per month ($6,432 per year) based on the NJ Court Rule 5:6A. This assumes the other parent earns approximately $36,000/year. Actual amounts depend on both parents' incomes, custody arrangements, and additional expenses.

If you make $1,000 a week ($52,000/year) in New Jersey, child support for 1 child is approximately $493/month.

New Jersey Child Support Estimates by Income (2026)

Annual Income 1 Child 2 Children 3 Children
$40,000/yr $421/mo $583/mo $688/mo
$50,000/yr $482/mo $670/mo $792/mo
$60,000/yr $536/mo $746/mo $884/mo
$70,000/yr $584/mo $814/mo $964/mo
$80,000/yr $627/mo $876/mo $1,038/mo
$100,000/yr $702/mo $982/mo $1,166/mo
$120,000/yr $756/mo $1,060/mo $1,259/mo

Estimates assume the other parent earns 60% of your income. Actual amounts vary based on both parents' incomes, custody time, and adjustments. Compare all states →

How Child Support Is Calculated in New Jersey

New Jersey uses the Income Shares model to calculate child support obligations. This model combines both parents' incomes to determine the total child support obligation, then divides it proportionally based on each parent's share of the combined income.

Factors That Affect Child Support in New Jersey

Both parents' net weekly incomes
Number of children
Health insurance costs for the children
Work-related child care costs
Parenting time (overnights with each parent)
Other child support or alimony obligations
Mandatory union dues or retirement contributions
Government benefits received on behalf of the child

Important Notes for New Jersey

  • New Jersey uses the Income Shares model based on both parents' combined net income (after taxes, FICA, and mandatory deductions).
  • The guidelines use weekly income figures; the schedule is capped at $3,600 per week combined net income (approximately $15,600 per month).
  • New Jersey accounts for the Parent of Alternate Residence (PAR) time through a shared parenting adjustment when the PAR has the child for at least 28% of overnights.
  • For combined net incomes exceeding the schedule maximum, the court applies the guideline amount at the cap and may add a discretionary supplement based on the child's needs.

Example Child Support Calculation in New Jersey

Scenario: Parent A earns $5,000/month, Parent B earns $3,000/month, 2 children.

Step 1: Combined monthly income: $5,000 + $3,000 = $8,000

Step 2: Parent A's income share: $5,000 / $8,000 = 62.5%

Step 3: Look up basic obligation from the guidelines schedule for $8,000 combined income and 2 children.

Step 4: Multiply the basic obligation by Parent A's share (62.5%) to determine their payment.

Note: Additional adjustments for health insurance, child care, and parenting time may apply.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey Child Support

How is child support calculated in New Jersey?
New Jersey uses the Income Shares model based on combined net income. Both parents' net incomes (after taxes, Social Security, and Medicare) are combined, and a basic support obligation is determined from the guidelines schedule. Each parent pays their proportional share. Adjustments are added for health insurance, child care, and other costs.
What is net income for New Jersey child support?
Net income in New Jersey for child support purposes is gross income minus federal, state, and local income taxes, Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA), mandatory union dues, mandatory retirement contributions, and prior child support or alimony orders. Voluntary deductions like 401(k) contributions are generally not subtracted.
What is the maximum child support in New Jersey?
The New Jersey guidelines schedule applies to combined net weekly incomes up to $3,600 (approximately $15,600/month or $187,200/year net). For incomes above this cap, the court uses the guideline amount at $3,600/week as a floor and has discretion to order additional support based on the child's reasonable needs and the parents' financial ability.
How does shared parenting time affect child support in New Jersey?
When the Parent of Alternate Residence (PAR) has the child for at least 28% of overnight time (approximately 2 nights per week), New Jersey applies a shared parenting adjustment. This adjustment reduces the basic support obligation to account for the PAR's increased direct spending on the child during their parenting time.
How long does child support last in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, there is no specific statutory age at which child support automatically ends. The obligation generally continues until the child is emancipated. Emancipation typically occurs when the child reaches 19, but the court considers factors like whether the child is still in high school, attending college full-time, or has a disability. Parents can petition for emancipation or its extension.

About This Calculator

This calculator uses the official NJ Court Rule 5:6A (2024 guidelines) to estimate child support in New Jersey. Calculations were last verified against the official source on 2026-05-30.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only and does not constitute legal advice. Actual child support amounts are determined by New Jersey courts and may differ based on factors not included here. For legal advice, consult a New Jersey family law attorney.

Our methodology: Based on the Income Shares model as defined in the NJ Court Rule 5:6A. Updated for 2026.

Child Support Calculators for Other States

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