Steps to Take When Your Ex Fails to Pay Child Support in New Jersey

Child support is a crucial component of ensuring your child’s well-being after a divorce or separation. Unfortunately, some parents fail to meet their child support obligations, leaving the custodial parent with added stress and financial strain. If your ex isn’t paying child support, it’s important to know your rights and the steps you can take to enforce the court order. 

At Hofmann Law Firm, LLC in Princeton, NJ, child support attorney Keith Hofmann provides clear guidance and effective legal strategies to help you secure the support your child is entitled to.

1. Review the Child Support Order

The first step is to carefully review the existing court order or agreement. Make sure you understand:

• The exact amount of child support required
• The due dates and method of payment
• Any provisions for late payments, interest, or penalties
  

Having a clear understanding of the court order will allow you to enforce it accurately.

2. Communicate with Your Ex

In some cases, missed payments result from misunderstandings, financial difficulties, or errors in processing payments. A calm, documented conversation or written communication can help clarify the situation. Always keep records of all communication, including emails, texts, and letters, as these may be crucial if legal action becomes necessary.

3. Document Missed Payments

Keep a detailed record of every missed or late payment. Documentation should include:

• Dates and amounts of payments missed
• Bank statements or proof of non-payment
• Any correspondence regarding the missed payments
  

This evidence is essential for enforcing the child support order through legal channels.

4. Contact the New Jersey Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSE)

New Jersey’s Child Support Enforcement (CSE) program can help collect past-due support. Services may include:

• Income withholding from wages
• Intercepting tax refunds
• Suspending driver’s or professional licenses for non-payment
  

Filing a case with CSE is often an effective way to enforce child support without having to return to court immediately.

5. File a Motion with the Court

If informal efforts and CSE involvement do not resolve the issue, you may need to return to family court. Filing a motion for contempt or enforcement asks the court to compel your ex to comply with the child support order. Possible court actions include:

• Wage garnishment
• Property liens
• Contempt fines or even jail in extreme cases
  

An experienced family law attorney can help guide you through this process, ensuring all legal steps are properly followed.

6. Consider Modifying the Child Support Order

If your ex is genuinely unable to pay due to a change in circumstances (like job loss or disability), you may need to seek a modification of the child support order. This ensures that the obligation is fair and realistic while protecting your child’s needs.

7. Work with a Skilled Family Law Attorney in Princeton, NJ

Non-payment of child support can create financial and emotional strain for both you and your child. At Hofmann Law Firm, LLC in Princeton, NJ, attorney Keith Hofmann provides guidance, advocacy, and representation to enforce child support orders, protect your rights, and help ensure your child’s financial security.

Get Help Enforcing Child Support with the Hofmann Law Firm, LLC

If your ex isn’t paying child support, don’t wait. Review the order, document missed payments, contact enforcement agencies, and, if necessary, seek legal action to protect your child’s best interests.

Contact Hofmann Law Firm, LLC in Princeton, NJ, today for trusted guidance and support in handling child support enforcement.