For many divorced parents, child support is a complicated matter as there are many misconceptions regarding these payments. As such, understanding what is and is not included in these payments is critical in preparing for these adjustments that could arise at a later date. One thing that many are unsure of is whether or not car insurance is included in support payments. If you’ve wondered this as your child gets closer to driving, it’s important to read the following blog to learn more about these issues and how a Somerset County child support attorney can help you navigate these matters.
How Is Child Support Calculated?
It can be challenging to determine the cost of child support in New Jersey, as there are many factors that can influence how much a parent is responsible for paying each month. Generally, the most significant factor is how much parenting time the non-custodial parent has. For example, a parent who only sees their child every other weekend will pay more in support than a parent who has their child every other week.
In addition, the needs of the child will be taken into consideration to determine how much payments should be. The cost of child support generally includes the following:
- Basic needs
- Medical care
- Transportation
- Clothing
- Entertainment
- Education
Does New Jersey Child Support Include Car Insurance?
As mentioned, child support payments will include funds for transportation. It’s important to understand that it is not explicitly stated that a parent must contribute to the car insurance payment for their child. However, a 2015 ruling has changed the precedent that allowed a parent to petition for a modification of support payments to include the cost of their child’s car insurance. Unfortunately, young drivers experience incredibly high insurance rates, so the courts found it is not fair for one parent to cover the entire cost. However, you cannot request a modification of your payment or include this in the cost of child support payments until your child reaches driving age and obtains a vehicle. This is to help prevent a parent from paying for something that does not exist.
While you are able to petition for a modification when your child obtains a vehicle to have the non-custodial parent contribute to car insurance, petitioning for an increase in payments can be complicated. As such, it’s in your best interest to include this as a condition in your child support order from the start.
As you can see, this can be a complicated issue for many to navigate. However, you should not be expected to be the sole provider of car insurance costs for your child, which is why the team at the Siragusa Law Firm is ready to help you. Whether you got divorced years ago and your child is ready to start driving or are in the middle of a divorce and want to plan for the future, our team is here to represent you. Connect with us today to learn how we can assist you during these difficult times.
