Of course, as a parent, you may have prioritized saving for your child’s future expenses since birth. Now, you may not only feel guilty that you are separating from their other parent, but that you are spending significant funds on your litigated divorce proceedings. Also, your new fear may be that, once the divorce is finalized, your soon-to-be former spouse may no longer feel responsible for helping to save for your child’s future. Well, if this is your top concern, please read on to discover whether the New Jersey family court will consider your child’s future expenses when ruling on your child support order and how a seasoned Bergen County child support attorney at McNerney & McAuliffe can work to ensure your child is set up for the future nicely.
What are examples of future expenses my child might require support for?
You may think that, as it stands currently, it is quite expensive to bring up your child in the state of New Jersey. But as they grow older, they may accrue even more expenses you are expected to meet. With that being said, below are future expenses you might consider during your current child support proceedings:
- The cost of your child’s future education:
- Their attendance at a private elementary or high school.
- Their attendance at an accredited trade school, college, or university.
- Their tutoring for extra help with the curriculum, SAT preparation, etc.
- The cost of your child’s future medical care:
- Their braces or other dental care needs once their adult teeth grow in.
- Their healthcare after receiving an injury or serious medical diagnosis.
- Their therapy sessions after struggling with a mental health condition.
- The cost of your child’s future extracurricular activities:
- Their registration fees and athletic equipment for the sports they participate in.
- Their associated fees for the after-school clubs and activities they have joined.
- Their room and board fees for a sleep-away camp they go to in the summer.
How does the New Jersey family court rule on future expenses in a child support order?
First of all, the family court handling your divorce case will rule on your child support order based on the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines. Now, these guidelines typically cover the cost of your child’s basic needs, such as their housing, clothing, and food.
Any coverage beyond this is added at the discretion of the court. But usually, the court may not incorporate the cost of future expenses just yet. This is because it may find such future expenses unpredictable and dependent on changing circumstances.
For example, your child may decide not to pursue further educational degrees after graduating from high school. Or, they may not require braces once their adult teeth grow in. And so, the court may make an initial child support order with flexible provisions as your child develops. These flexible provisions may be solidified in a post-judgment modification.
No matter what specific divorce or family law matter you are currently dealing with, a competent Bergen County family law attorney at McNerney & McAuliffe is willing and able to step in and facilitate the process. Retain our legal services today.