By Jeff J. Horn – Divorce Attorney
If your ex is not paying child support in NJ, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to handle it on your own. Child support is a legally binding court order in New Jersey, and when one parent refuses to pay, it can create serious financial hardship for you and your child.
At Horn Law Group in Ocean County, we help clients enforce child support orders and recover unpaid support. Here’s what to do next if you’re dealing with this stressful situation.
Missed Child Support Payments Have Real Consequences
Child support helps pay for your child’s basic needs, including food, shelter, clothing, medical care, and education. If your ex is not paying child support, the impact on your household can be immediate, and the law recognizes this.
New Jersey courts treat unpaid child support seriously. You have the right to seek enforcement through legal means.
Step 1: Document the Missed Payments
Start by keeping a clear record of any missed or partial payments. Save text messages, emails, or voicemails where your ex admits to non-payment. Accurate documentation is key when filing a complaint with the court or working with a family law attorney.
Step 2: Contact a Family Law Attorney in Ocean County
An experienced Ocean County family lawyer can help you file a motion to enforce child support or work directly with the Probation Child Support Enforcement Unit. At Horn Law Group, we guide clients through this process step by step.
We may also be able to connect your case with Ocean County Superior Court’s enforcement division if additional court action is necessary.
How New Jersey Enforces Child Support Orders
If your ex refuses to pay child support in NJ, the court can apply a range of enforcement measures, including:
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Wage garnishment
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Seizure of tax refunds or bank funds
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Suspension of driver’s or professional licenses
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Negative credit reporting
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Passport denial
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Contempt proceedings (which may include jail time)
These tools are designed to protect the child’s financial well-being, not to punish the parent. But they are powerful.
Don’t Violate Custody Agreements in Response
No matter how frustrated you feel, never withhold parenting time in retaliation for missed support. Child custody and child support are separate legal issues. Retaliating can hurt your position in court.
We Can Help You Enforce a Child Support Order
At Horn Law Group, we’ve helped countless families in Ocean County and throughout NJ enforce court orders and secure the support they’re owed. If your ex is not paying child support in NJ, don’t wait for things to get worse. Let us help you fight back legally and effectively.
Contact us today.
New Jersey Courts Child Support Resources
Thanks to Horn Law Group, LLC intern Dillon Uhrig
Photo by Live Richer on Unsplash