When parents split, child support is a complicated matter that must be addressed. There are several misconceptions regarding these payments as to what is and is not included. One aspect of these payments that many are unsure of is whether or not car insurance is included in their support payments. If this reflects your circumstances, it’s in your best interest to continue reading to learn more about these issues and how our experienced Monmouth County Child Support Attorneys can help you navigate your options.
What Does Child Support Cover?
It’s important to understand that all child support agreements made in New Jersey are done so based on the Child Support Guidelines. This worksheet provides a basis to determine the appropriate level of child support given the needs of the children and the means of the parents. Many parents wonder what exactly child support is intended to cover. Essentially, this court-ordered payment is designed to cover the basic living expenses of a child. The goal is to ensure that the child receives the same amount of financial support they would have received if their parents lived in the same household. The cost of child support generally includes the following:
- Basic needs
- Food
- Clothing
- Shelter
- Health care
- Childcare
- Educational expenses
- Extracurricular acitiveis
- Transportation
Does New Jersey Child Support Include Car Insurance Payments?
As mentioned above, child support payments can be used to cover the costs associated with transportation. It’s important to note that the New Jersey child support guidelines don’t explicitly state that a parent must contribute to car insurance payments for their child. However, the decision reached in the 2015 case of Fichter v Fichter changed the precedent that allows a parent to petition for a modification of support payments to include the cost of their child’s car insurance.
The state recognized that young drivers face high insurance rates. As such, the court found it unfair for one parent to cover the entire cost as both parents are responsible for financially supporting their children. It’s important to understand that a parent cannot request a modification of their existing child support order or include this in the cost of their child support payments until their child reaches driving age and obtains a vehicle. This ensures the parent is not using the funds for something else.
Although you have the right to petition the court for a modification to include car insurance, requesting an increase in child support payments can be complex. As such, it’s in your best interest to enlist the help of a competent attorney who can help you include this as a condition in your child support order from the start. At Paone Zaleski & Murphy, we are prepared to represent your interests and help you plan for the future. Connect with our firm today to learn more about how we can assist you.
