I read Charles F. Vuotto, Jr.'s article in the
New Jersey Family Lawyer concerning Impermissble Questions From the Bench. He makes a valid point concerning alimony. Quaere - Does the court have an obligation to ask questions when the agreement provides for a child support amount that is a deviation from the child support guidelines, especially when the agreement is silent as to the deviation?
Said another way, does the court have an obligation to ask, "Is the child support set pursuant to the child support guidelines, and, if not, are the reasons for the deviation stated in the agreement or the child support guidelines worksheet?" If there is a deviation, but it is not stated in the worksheet (as required by the court rules), does not the judge have an obligation to ask the reasons therefor?
Any thoughts?
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Mitchell Steinhart Esq.
Bergen County Board of Social Services
Rochelle Park, NJ
(201)368-4207
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