The State of New Jersey requires both parents of a child to be financially responsible for the child.  In order to accomplish this, New Jersey simulates an intact family by combining the parties’ income to determine the base award and then dividing that award between the parties based on his/her percentage contribution to the total.

Example:    Mother = $35,0000.00/yr and Father = $35,000.00/yr
Total : $70,000.00   M-$35,000.00/$70,000.00 = 50%

The percentage is then applied to the total award and may be adjusted based upon many different factors, including but not limited to the division of parent time between the parties, payment of health insurance for the childr(ren); and/or work-related daycare expenses for the child(ren).