West Caldwell Child Support Enforcement Lawyer

Determining an appropriate amount of child support is one of the most controversial aspects of divorce. If a child lives with one parent, the non-custodial parent often pays child support to the parent who cares for the child full-time.

When a court issues a child support order, it has the force of law. Even if a parent believes a ruling is unfair, they cannot refuse to pay their financial obligation. Anyone who seeks a reduction in their child support installments must undergo a legal process to modify the order. A non-custodial parent remains liable for payments until a court resolves a matter.

If a parent is not paying support under their obligation, a West Caldwell child support enforcement lawyer can be a valuable resource. A seasoned child support attorney can provide insight and advice about the best way to get your former spouse to pay the child support they owe.

How Does Child Support Work in West Caldwell?

Like most states, New Jersey calculates child support based on a schedule that considers each parent’s income, the children’s ages, and a few other factors.

For example, a judge might review how a pair spent their money and award an amount that preserves a child’s standard of living from when their parents were together.

However, the rules change for high-income couples. According to New Jersey Statute §2A:34-23, judges may order supplemental child support for couples whose joint income exceeds $187,000. Because West Caldwell is an affluent area, parents often have significant child support obligations.

How is Child Support Collected?

A child support enforcement office collects the required payments directly from a parent’s paycheck in many cases. The office then deposits the money into the receiving parent’s account for a child’s benefit. However, a pair may make a different arrangement if a paying parent’s income comes from investments or sources other than a salary.

An experienced attorney in West Caldwell will further explain child support obligations, determine whether a family’s income would alter their case process, and help with enforcement if necessary.

Typical Child Support Enforcement Options

If a parent fails to make their child support payments, a legal representative could help. The parent receiving payments must prove that their former partner has not paid their support and show how much they owe. A court might offer several methods of enforcing a child support order, including:

Requiring a parent to pay a certain amount immediately
Garnishing the defendant’s wages
Intercepting tax refunds
Seizing property, including vehicles and real estate
Disable a delinquent parent’s passport if they intend to flee the county
Asserting a lien on the parent’s property until they have paid

Additionally, New Jersey Statutes Annotated §2A:17-56.8 allow a court to suspend a parent’s driver’s, boating, or professional license. A judge may often suspend a hunting or fishing license if a parent has failed to make a payment within six months. A debtor parent must bring their charges up to date before applying for license reinstatement. In some cases, a court could arrest a parent who refuses to make child support payments.

A knowledgeable lawyer in West Caldwell can enforce a child support order in family court and find the right strategy to hold a delinquent parent accountable.

Trust a West Caldwell Child Support Enforcement Attorney with Your Case

Family matters are difficult for the receiving parent and the children. Your co-parent has a legal obligation to contribute to your children’s financial support. If they defy the court’s child support order, rely on a local legal professional for justice. Trust a West Caldwell child support enforcement lawyer to handle your case. Call today to set up a consultation.