New Jersey § 9:17-53
Full text of New Jersey New Jersey Statutes § 9:17-53, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 9:17-53.
a. The judgment or order of the court or a Certificate of Parentage determining the
existence or nonexistence of the parent and child relationship is determinative for
all purposes. b. If the judgment or order of the court is at variance with the child's birth certificate,
the court shall order that an amendment to the original birth record be made under
section 22 of P.L.1983, c. 17 ( C.9:17-59 ). c. The judgment or order may contain any other provision directed against the appropriate
party to the proceeding concerning the duty of support, the custody and guardianship
of the child, parenting time privileges with the child, the furnishing of bond or
other security for the payment of the judgment, the repayment of any public assistance
grant, or any other matter in the best interests of the child. The judgment or order may direct the father to pay the reasonable expenses of the
mother's pregnancy and postpartum disability, including repayment to an agency which
provided public assistance funds for those expenses. Bills for pregnancy, childbirth and blood or genetic testing are admissible as evidence
without requiring third party foundation testimony, and shall constitute prima facie
evidence of the amounts incurred for these services or for testing on behalf of the
child. d. Support judgments or orders ordinarily shall be for periodic payments, which may
vary in amount. In the best interests of the child, the purchase of an annuity may be ordered in
lieu of periodic payments of support. The court may limit a parent's liability for past support of the child to the proportion
of the expenses already incurred that the court deems just. e. In determining the amount to be paid by a parent for support of the child and the
period during which the duty of support is owed, the court shall apply the child support
guidelines as defined in section 3 of P.L.1998, c. 1 ( C.2A:17-56.52 ). In cases in which the court finds that a deviation from these guidelines is appropriate,
the court shall consider all relevant facts when determining the amount of support,
including the: (1) Needs of the child; (2) Standard of living and economic circumstances of each parent; (3) Income and assets of each parent, including any public assistance grant received
by a parent; (4) Earning ability of each parent, including educational background, training, employment
skills, work experience, custodial responsibility for children and the length of time
and cost for each parent to obtain training or experience for appropriate employment; (5) Need and capacity of the child for education, including higher education; (6) Age and health of the child and each parent; (7) Income, assets and earning ability of the child; (8) Responsibility of the parents for the support of others; and (9) Debts and liabilities of each child and parent. The factors set forth herein are not intended to be exhaustive. The court may consider such other factors as may be appropriate under the circumstances. The obligation to pay support for a child who has not been emancipated by the court
shall not terminate solely on the basis of the child' s age if the child suffers from
a severe mental or physical incapacity that causes the child to be financially dependent
on a parent. The obligation to pay support for that child shall continue until the court finds
that the child is relieved of the incapacity or is no longer financially dependent
on the parent. However, in assessing the financial obligation of the parent, the court shall consider,
in addition to the factors enumerated in this section, the child's eligibility for
public benefits and services for people with disabilities and may make such orders,
including an order involving the creation of a trust, as are necessary to promote
the well-being of the child. As used in this section “ severe mental or physical incapacity ” shall not include a child's abuse of, or addiction to, alcohol or controlled substances. f. Upon a motion by a party, the court shall enter a temporary support order pending
a judicial determination of parentage if there is clear and convincing evidence of
paternity supported by blood or genetic test results or other evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey § 9:17-53
What does New Jersey Statutes § 9:17-53 cover?
Section 9:17-53 is part of the New Jersey Statutes, the codified statutory law of New Jersey. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite New Jersey § 9:17-53?
A common citation format is "New Jersey Statutes § 9:17-53" (New Jersey). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of New Jersey law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Jersey official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Jersey attorney.
How does New Jersey § 9:17-53 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Jersey can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Jersey.