Sicklerville, NJ asked in Child Support for New Jersey

Q: Why am I still paying this?

I got married 10 years ago, we split shortly after, but have not been divorced yet. She's had a hand full of kids over the years, all not biologically not mine (proven in court with DNA tests). Apparently she had defrauded social services and now I am forced to pay back her debt for the benefits she received for one of her kids. This past summer she's lost all the kids from issues with CPS. I've signed all of my rights away to the kids so various family members could adopt them. (Didn't know I had any rights because they are not mine but yes technically we are still married.) All this was enforced through the child support agency so if I don't pay I go to jail. Do I still have to pay because we are married? Why does she not have to pay it back?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Bari Weinberger
Bari Weinberger
Answered
  • Parsippany, NJ
  • Licensed in New Jersey

A: Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, what you have described is a rather complex issue and without seeing the court orders that are in existence with respect to termination of parental rights and the benefits with the Division of Child Protection and Permanency, it is impossible for us to be able to answer your question with any accuracy. As additional information is required to better assist you, I encourage you to contact an attorney to schedule a consultation so that he/she can offer you guidance with this issue.

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