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A child’s well-being is the top priority for any parent, and this responsibility does not change just because of a separation or divorce. For couples getting divorced in Montclair who will face challenges like relocation and custody arrangements, seeking a Montclair child support lawyer can provide the guidance needed to move forward with fairness and confidence.
New Jersey data shows that as of August 25, there were over 9,700 active cases where families needed help, and many were just for the children. Similarly, there were 170 assistance cases in Essex County that were specifically for helping a child.
The legal system in New Jersey is designed to support families such that children do not suffer consequences or go without the financial support they need because of their parents’ separation or divorce. Past U.S. Census Bureau reports revealed that, nationwide, only about 44% of parents with primary custody of children received the full child support amount they were owed.
Understanding the specific rules used by the courts is the first step in securing a fair outcome for your family. New Jersey follows the Income Shares Model, based on the idea that children should get the same proportion of parental income as they would if their parents lived together. The state balances the costs of the two households based on the:
Having a Montclair child support attorney for your child support case is helpful because they can help you protect your child’s standard of living, especially if they have special needs or extracurricular activities.
There are many moments in a legal dispute during which having a professional in your corner changes the outcome. When you decide to hire a child support lawyer, you gain an advocate who knows how to navigate the local court systems in Essex County and Passaic County and the surrounding areas.
For example, recent state data shows that 24% of New Jersey children live in families where no parent has full-time, year-round employment, which can complicate how child support gets calculated. A Montclair family law attorney helps make sure that imputed income is handled correctly if one parent is voluntarily underemployed.
Whether you are establishing an initial order or seeking to have changes made to your support agreement based on your job status, a child support attorney in Montclair can help you keep your financial data accurate. This prevents you from paying too much or receiving too little to cover your child’s daily needs.
Choosing the right legal team can change your family’s future for the better. At The Montanari Law Group in Little Falls, we recognize that every family is different, so we take the time to listen to your specific concerns and then build a personalized strategy unique to your needs. This care, combined with Michael J. Montanari, Esq.’s more than 20 years of experience dealing with the New Jersey court system, allows us to handle your case with precision.
Since we believe in transparency, we keep our clients informed at every stage. Whether you’re establishing an initial order or trying to get the court to enforce an existing one, we are committed to achieving a result that serves the best interests of your children.
How much a child support lawyer costs in New Jersey varies based on the complexity of your situation. Most attorneys charge an hourly rate and require an initial retainer fee. If your case is settled quickly through mediation, the costs are typically lower than in a case that must go to a full hearing. During a free consultation, your lawyer can provide a clear breakdown of their fee structure so there are no surprises as you move forward together.
A lawyer who practices family law is ideal for a child support case. A family law attorney, more than any other kind, would be up to date on the latest New Jersey Court Rules and the guidelines used for child support calculations. An ideal lawyer is someone who has experience with local practice in the Municipal Court Township of Montclair on Bloomfield Avenue or the Essex County Wynona Lipman Family Courthouse on University Avenue in Newark.
You would look bad in a child support case if you hid your income or did not tell the truth about your financial assets. These actions would make you lose credibility with the court. Additionally, not following existing visitation schedules or speaking poorly about your ex can make you look bad.
In a child support hearing, you should not say things to insult your child’s other parent, nor should you focus only on your own financial wants. Essentially, you should not say things that make your testimony all about you, since the court is primarily focused on your child’s interests. Other things that should not be said are things that make the support seem like a burden to you rather than a benefit for your child.
Getting a fair and sustainable support arrangement is essential for your child’s stability and your own peace of mind. At The Montanari Law Group, our goal is to get clients the agreements that fairly reflect the true needs of their families while adhering to current child support laws.
If you are ready to take the next step, we are here to help. Contact our office to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your options and how we can assist with your specific needs. Our dedicated legal team is ready to provide the advocacy you and your child deserve.
“Michael Montanari was a great lawyer to represent my case and I’m grateful I found him through reviews like these. He’s extremely helpful and knowledgable and it was a pleasure having him represent my case and win. Highly recommend.” – Juan Alvarez
“Michael is knowledgeable, helpful, proactive, and an expert in his field. I had a very specific situation that he was able to expertly navigate and guide me through for the best possible result. I received exactly the outcome I was hoping for and it’s all thanks to the careful guidance and support of Michael and his team. Thank you again Michael!” – Aidan McGourty
“Jayna Patel was a pleasure to work with. Knowing how knowledgeable and experienced she was put me at ease during a very challenging time. She made the process easy and stress free. I would recommend her services to anyone in need of a family lawyer.” – Leyla
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