Child custody and support in New Jersey
The New Jersey rules for parents who divorce, from official sources: the legal term for custody, the parenting class, the official support calculator, custody mediation and the child support agency.
Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026
The short answer
New Jersey law uses the term “custody and parenting time” for custody. About the parenting class: Required if you have minor children: a parent education workshop ($25 fee), unless there is a restraining order between you or you file a signed property settlement agreement with your first papers (NJ Courts divorce page). New Jersey publishes an official child support calculator or guidelines.
- Custody term
- Custody and parenting time
- Parenting class
- Required (with conditions)
- Child support calculator
- Official child support calculator or guidelines
- Child support agency
- New Jersey Child Support Program
Custody terms in New Jersey
Custody and parenting time
Mediation
The court may require custody and parenting time mediation; financial issues go to a Matrimonial Early Settlement Panel and may be referred to economic mediation. Mediation is not required if there is a restraining order.
Parenting class in New Jersey
Required if you have minor children: a parent education workshop ($25 fee), unless there is a restraining order between you or you file a signed property settlement agreement with your first papers (NJ Courts divorce page).
Child support in New Jersey
Child support follows New Jersey's guidelines. Estimate it with the official calculator, and contact the state's child support agency for help setting up or collecting it.
Children in a New Jersey divorce: what the process includes
Custody
The court's orders use New Jersey's term for custody: custody and parenting time.
Parenting class
Take the parenting class described above if New Jersey requires it in your case.
Mediation
If the court sends you to mediation, go to every session; the rule is above.
Child support
Estimate it first: the official calculator
The child support agency
For help setting up or collecting support, contact the state's child support agency.
Questions about custody and child support in New Jersey
What is child custody called in New Jersey?
New Jersey uses the term “custody and parenting time”.
Do parents have to take a class in a New Jersey divorce?
Required if you have minor children: a parent education workshop ($25 fee), unless there is a restraining order between you or you file a signed property settlement agreement with your first papers (NJ Courts divorce page).
Is there an official child support calculator for New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey's official calculator or guidelines: the official calculator
Which agency handles child support in New Jersey?
Is mediation required for custody in New Jersey?
The court may require custody and parenting time mediation; financial issues go to a Matrimonial Early Settlement Panel and may be referred to economic mediation. Mediation is not required if there is a restraining order.
More about divorce in New Jersey
- All New Jersey divorce laws
- Uncontested divorce in New Jersey
- New Jersey divorce forms and filing fees
- Alimony in New Jersey
- Divorce timeline estimator for New Jersey
- Divorce checklist for New Jersey
- How to file for divorce without a lawyer
- Served with divorce papers: what to do
Custody and support in nearby states
Sources
Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.