Q: I’m in nj. If my ex has an increase in salary does this effect how much he contributes to child related expenses?

A: Hello and thanks for your question. I'll do my best to give you some general advice, here, but please know that much of the advice you need would be based on a review of your MSA and the terms contained there with regard to child related expenses.

You indicate that there is no child support paid by either of you, but were NJ child support guidelines run? How are you splitting the expenses? Are they 50/50 or a different percentage? Was that percentage based on the percentage found in the guidelines? Does the MSA state that you can go back to recalculate these expenses if there is a change in circumstances such as an increase in income?

Of course, do not give out too much personal information in this forum. But, this is the information that would be needed in order to give you clear and appropriate advice. Generally, it is quite difficult to go back in and amend a MSA without some cause or reason that you would have to prove to the judge. But, if your MSA does indeed contain terms that allows you to go back in and reassess these expenses, your road is definitely a little easier.

Bottom line: more info is definitely needed! I suggest scheduling a consult with a family law attorney. Hopefully you can sit down with your ex and negotiate these expenses given the change in income. If not, an attorney can guide you on your next steps in court. Many firms, like ours, offer free consults. Hoping this was at least a little helpful. Regards, Bari