Are payments for child care, medical care and other similar costs included as a part of child support?
The New Jersey Child Support Guidelines, as they now exist, take into consideration the general basic cost of a household which are (1) “fixed” shelter costs, such a mortgage/rent, utilities; (2) certain “variable” expenses, such as food and transportation; and (3) certain “controlled” expenses that would include clothing, personal care, entertainment and other personal items. However, additional amounts would be payable, such as unreimbursed medical expenses and child care. This would be above and beyond the basic child support award. Additionally, the Court has discretion to order other costs above and beyond the basic child support guideline figure, which may include private school, post-secondary school, special education and any number of other expenses that were not contemplated by the child support guidelines, if a Court is convinced that the expense is reasonable.
