In New Jersey, child support is calculated using a formula (a/k/a New Jersey Child Support Guidelines) that utilize parent’s combined gross income from all sources to determine a base child support figure that is then divided between the parties as an obligation, with the non-custodial or Parent of Alternate Residence paying his/her share of the support figure to the custodial parent or Parent of Primary Residence.

The base figure calculated using the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines is based upon statistical economic data that attempts to simulate the marginal percentage or cost estimate of the net income earned by parents in intact family situations that is spent on the child(ren).

The State expressly acknowledges that the expenses of two household families are different from those of intact families.