Rule 5:6B.[Cost-of-Living Adjustments for Child Support Guidelines]
Last amended September 1, 2009 · Current through September 1, 2026 · Last verified September 8, 2026
Full Text of Rule 5:6B
Amendment History
New Jersey publishes each rule’s amendment record in a “Note” beneath the rule. It is reproduced verbatim below; a “Source” line names the former rule the current one grew out of, and “R. (1969)” citations refer to the earlier numbering it replaced.
Note: Adopted July 10, 1998, to be effective September 1, 1998; text amended and allocated to paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e) July 16, 2009 to be effective September 1, 2009.
Plain-English Summary
Support that never moves loses value quietly. This rule builds the correction in: orders and judgments that include child support are adjusted every two years to reflect the cost of living. Orders entered on or after September 1, 1998 must say so; older orders are prospectively subject to adjustment anyway.
The measure is specified. The adjustment is based on the average change in the Consumer Price Index for the metropolitan statistical areas that encompass New Jersey, and it is compounded rather than applied to the original figure each time.
Nothing happens without warning. The parties get notice of the proposed adjustment and 30 days from the mailing to contest it. An obligor can object on the ground that their income has not risen at least as fast as inflation, or that the order already provides its own periodic adjustment. And the adjustment does not use up anyone's other rights — either parent may still seek modification for changed circumstances, or ask the State agency for a three-year review of a Title IV-D order without showing changed circumstances at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is New Jersey child support adjusted for inflation?
Every two years, to reflect the cost of living.
How is the adjustment calculated?
On the average change in the Consumer Price Index for the metropolitan statistical areas that encompass New Jersey, compounded.
Can I object to a cost-of-living increase?
Yes. You get notice and 30 days from its mailing to contest. An obligor may contest if their income has not increased at a rate at least equal to inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index, or if the order provides an alternative periodic adjustment.
Does a COLA stop me from seeking a modification?
No. A cost-of-living adjustment does not impair either parent's right to apply to the court for modification based on changed circumstances, or to apply to the State IV-D agency for a three-year review of a Title IV-D order without showing changed circumstances.