Tension between former spouses may continue through the conclusion of a family-related legal matter. It’s not uncommon for one parent to act vindictively against the other. However, refusing to comply with a child support agreement is a bad idea. Serious legal issues can arise when support is involved. Below are a few of the rules regarding child support and handling child support problems in New Jersey.
The Child Support Process in New Jersey
When a custodial parent files for child support services and the application is approved by the court, the non-custodial parent then has a legal responsibility to support the children. The support comes in payments to the custodial parent.
Per federal law, parents make child support payments through income withholding. In other words, payments are automatically deducted from the non-custodial parent’s paycheck. When income withholding is unavailable, a court order will instruct the non-custodial parent to pay the set amount weekly or monthly.
If the Non-Custodial Parent Won’t Pay
If the non-custodial parent refuses to pay child support to the custodial parent, the New Jersey Child Support Agency’s County Probation Division can enforce the court order by one of the following means:
- Requiring the non-custodial parent’s employer to deduct money from his or her pay
- Taking the past-due amount from a tax refund or other lump sum of money
- Seizing assets and property such as bank accounts, cars, real estate, etc.
- Issuing a warrant
- Returning the case to court to discuss the agreement
- Reporting the payment delinquency to a credit reporting agency
The law is on the custodial parent’s side when he or she isn’t receiving child support payments. The New Jersey Child Support Agency has a variety of enforcement tools. When a custodial parent reports payment issues to the Child Support Agency right away, he or she can obtain the necessary assistance to enforce the court order.
If the Non-Custodial Parent Moves Out of State
Even if the non-custodial parent moves out of New Jersey, child support payments should continue through income withholding. In the same manner as with a New Jersey employer, the Child Support Agency will ask the non-custodial parent’s out-of-state employer to deduct the required amount from his or her wages.
If income withholding is inapplicable or another factor prevents the payment process from going smoothly, the custodial parent may need to file a petition to ask the other state to enforce the child support order. The local office will help the custodial parent file the appropriate documentation to enforce the order in the non-custodial parent’s new home state.
Related Resources For Contested Custody in New Jersey
At Petrelli Previtera, we support families in New Jersey facing custody disputes. Our goal is to provide clarity and guidance in complex family law matters, helping you navigate this challenging process.
Our comprehensive resources cover essential topics, including New Jersey’s custody laws, including if NJ is a 50/50 Custody State, signs that may need a child custody lawyer, effective strategies for preparing for a custody trial, establishing paternity and grandparents and stepparent’s rights for custody.
Our legal team of NJ custody lawyers also has worked with clients in matters of Child Support and can address your questions. Whether it’s about the tax implications of child support, modifications to support, understanding child support add-ons, fulfilling obligations for adult child support, or a parent’s responsibility to contribute to college expenses in NJ, we offer guidance and support.
Please note that while our information provides valuable guidance, it is not a substitute for personalized legal advice. For tailored advice that suits your unique New Jersey custody case, contact Petrelli Previtera.
Getting Legal Assistance with Child Support Problems in New Jersey
Unfortunately, these and other related obstacles can still arise after your legal matter has concluded. Our firm can help you by providing suggestions, such as when it may be beneficial to have NJ’s probation office manage your child support. Our experience also allows us to help you navigate and overcome child support issues with as little stress and confusion as possible. Contact Petrelli Previtera, LLC for assistance if you’re facing issues with your family law matter. We can help.