Child support is one of the most troubling parts of getting divorced. Children deserve support, custodial parents need it, and (contrary to popular belief) most parents want to support their kids.
Some parents feel that their child support arrangement is not fair. For example, they may know that the custodial parent earns unreported money (perhaps on the side). In another example, they may know that the other parent spends child support inappropriately.
Don’t stop paying
Many noncustodial parents feel that the best solution to their problem is to stop paying. Often, they believe that the custodial parent will begin cooperating if child support dries up.
Do not fall prey to this trap. If you do, you could face severe consequences for nonpayment of child support. Examples of the New Jersey child support enforcement methods include:
- Interception of tax refunds
- Withholding of income
- Seizure of bank account assets
- Interception of lottery winnings
- Suspension of licenses (driving, professional, etc.)
- Reporting child support arrears to credit bureaus
- Denial of new passports and renewals
In the eyes of the law, it does not matter why you are not meeting your child support obligations. If you stop making your support payments, you risk worsening the situation for you and your kids. In addition to the trouble you could face, your children may have to go without some of the things they need.
Instead of taking matters into your hands, look for a legal solution for child support issues. An ideal first step is to learn more about the state’s child support laws and guidelines. When armed with accurate knowledge, it is possible to find a remedy without depriving your children of financial support.
