The court has adopted guidelines intended to provide guidance about what it actually costs to raise children. The Guidelines fix a range of support that should be paid by both parents, proportionate to their incomes. The court presumes that the Guidelines are correct. However, you may negotiate child support amounts beyond or even below those in the Guidelines. The court may modify the levels in the Guidelines if it decides that, due to the particular circumstances of your family, the amount is unjust or inappropriate. The court may deviate from the guidelines if the combined net income of both parties is more than $1,000 per week. Child care costs are considered separately.

David Wildstein, Esq. has been practicing matrimonial law for more than 30 years. He heads the 12-member family-law department of Wilentz Goldman Spitzer P.A. in Woodbridge, NJ and New York City. He has been listed in Best Lawyers in America. He can be reached at (732) 855-6010. View his Divorce Magazine profile.