In this second part of the article titled “Understanding New Jersey Child Support Laws,” we discuss four vital things you need to know about child support in New Jersey. Specifically, this article discusses how child support is paid in New Jersey, when child support ends in New Jersey, enforcing child support in New Jersey, and modifying child support in New Jersey.
How is Child Support Paid in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, employers deduct child support amounts and send the money to the New Jersey Family Support Payment Center (NJFSPC). After child support amounts get to the NJFSPC, the support agency provides the receiving parents with the money. Parents receiving child support from the agency can receive the payment via check, through payments like Venmo, or directly into their bank accounts.
However, if parents have a written agreement for an alternative payment arrangement or the court finds a good reason for another arrangement, the alternative payment method may be used.
It is vital to note that when it comes to income withholding, child support can be withheld from not only paychecks but also any other income a parent receives, such as disability and unemployment benefits.
When Do Parents Stop Paying Child Support in New Jersey?
Child support in New Jersey often ends when a child turns 19. However, child support can sometimes continue even after a child’s 19th birthday. For example, if a child is looking to go to college, a parent can petition the court to extend child support payments until the child reaches the age of 23. Another situation that may warrant child support continuing even after a child turns 19 is if the child has a disability or medical condition that requires continued financial support.
It is also crucial to note that in New Jersey, there are times when child support can end before a child turns 19. The following are some of the circumstances that warrant child support payments stopping before a child turns 19:
- The child marries
- The child becomes financially independent and has a full-time job
- The child enters military service
- The child no longer lives with the parents
Enforcing Child Support Payments in NJ
When a parent refuses to make child support payments, the receiving parents can work with the New Jersey Child Support Agency to enforce payments. The following are some of the ways the agency can ensure child support payments get paid;
- Intercepting the parent’s tax refund
- Seizing the parent’s assets
- Denying the obligor parent a passport
- Income withholding
- Credit reporting
Modifying Child Support in NJ
In New Jersey, child support orders can be modified if a parent can show a substantial change in circumstances. Examples of events that may warrant child support modification in NJ include the following;
- A parent has lost their income
- A parent has taken a significant pay cut or lost their job
- The child has suffered a severe injury or contracted a medical condition
- A parent has gotten promoted
- A parent has gotten seriously ill or suffered a severe injury
Contact a New Jersey Family Lawyer
If you are a parent who needs help understanding New Jersey child support laws, contact our qualified New Jersey family lawyer at The Trabosh Law Firm.