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New Jersey Child Support Calculator & Guidelines (2026)

Estimate New Jersey child support under N.J. Court Rules Appendix IX-F (rev. eff. Sep. 1, 2025) — Income Shares model, current caps and percentages, with a step-by-step worked example.

Estimate Your Child Support

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New Jersey Child Support Rules at a Glance

Guideline model Income Shares
Income basis Net (after-tax) income
How it works Both parents’ incomes are combined, a basic obligation is taken from the state’s official schedule, and each parent pays in proportion to their share of combined income.
Caps & limits Appendix IX-F (revised Sept. 1, 2025; NJ updates annually) covers combined weekly net income $180-$3,600; the rule forbids extrapolation above $3,600/wk - the $3,600 amount is the minimum and the court adds a discretionary supplement
Statute / rule N.J. Court Rules Appendix IX-F (rev. eff. Sep. 1, 2025)
Parameters verified 2026-07

Worked Example: $5,000 + $3,000 Income, Two Children

  1. Paying parent’s monthly income: $5,000 - other parent’s: $3,000 - two children, primary custody.
  2. Combined monthly income: $8,000 - basic obligation from the official N.J. Court Rules Appendix IX-F (rev. eff. Sep. 1, 2025) schedule for two children: $2,006.
  3. Paying parent’s share of combined income: 62.5% - $2,006 x 62.5% = $1,254 per month.

Result: $1,254 per month

New Jersey Child Support FAQ

How is child support calculated in New Jersey?

New Jersey uses the income shares model under N.J. Court Rules Appendix IX-F (rev. eff. Sep. 1, 2025): both parents’ incomes are combined, a basic obligation is determined, and each parent is responsible for their proportional share. Both parents’ incomes are combined, a basic obligation is taken from the state’s official schedule, and each parent pays in proportion to their share of combined income.

Does New Jersey use gross or net income for child support?

New Jersey calculates support on net (after-tax) income as defined in N.J. Court Rules Appendix IX-F (rev. eff. Sep. 1, 2025). Appendix IX-F (revised Sept. 1, 2025; NJ updates annually) covers combined weekly net income $180-$3,600; the rule forbids extrapolation above $3,600/wk - the $3,600 amount is the minimum and the court adds a discretionary supplement.

Can a New Jersey court order more or less than the guideline amount?

Yes. The guideline amount under N.J. Court Rules Appendix IX-F (rev. eff. Sep. 1, 2025) is presumptive, not absolute - courts may deviate with written findings for factors like extraordinary medical or educational needs, other children supported, or very high income beyond the guideline range.

How do I apply for or modify child support in New Jersey?

Apply through the New Jersey child support agency or the family court in your county. Existing orders can be modified on a substantial change in circumstances - typically a significant income change, job loss, or a change in custody. The official calculator/worksheet is linked on this page (www.njchildsupport.org).

Official New Jersey Resources

Related Calculators & States

About This Estimate

Estimate only — not legal advice. Based on New Jersey guidelines (N.J. Court Rules Appendix IX-F (rev. eff. Sep. 1, 2025)), last verified 2026-07. Courts may deviate. For an official figure use the official New Jersey calculator.