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New Jersey Child Support Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for New Jersey on
Q: Ex was awarded 1/2 my pension. He’s behind in child support. Will this be garnished if still unpaid when I retire?

He took half of my teachers pension in our divorce. His wages are already garnished. He is currently 20k behind with still 5 more years of child support to pay. When it comes to retirement at 55 (I am currently 45) and he still owes child support- will my pension still go to him or will it be... View More

Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
answered on Apr 20, 2024

Start with the presumption that his share of the pension will not be garnished. If there are arrears outstanding from his child support obligation, you need to file an application with the court and ask the court to enter an order imposing a garnishment on his share of your pension for repayment... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for New Jersey on
Q: Do I still have to pay child support for a child over 19 that is not in school ?

My son turned 19 last June 2023. He is not going to college and working full time and I noticed my Child support amount has been the same for the last 9 months. When i inquired with Child Support they told me I have an "unallocated " support order which I was unaware of . I have a second... View More

Leonard R. Boyer
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answered on Mar 31, 2024

You need to retain an experienced matrimonial attorney to have your son declared emancipated and seek a reallocation Pick the best attorney you can find and remember one rule: a good attorney is generally never cheap, and a cheap attorney is generally never good so don't choose based on... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for New Jersey on
Q: Do I still have to pay child support for a child over 19 that is not in school ?

My son turned 19 last June 2023. He is not going to college and working full time and I noticed my Child support amount has been the same for the last 9 months. When i inquired with Child Support they told me I have an "unallocated " support order which I was unaware of . I have a second... View More

Allison Kruk Ormond
Allison Kruk Ormond
answered on Apr 5, 2024

Thank you for your question.

Typically, child support in New Jersey concludes once the child reaches the age of 19 or is otherwise legally emancipated. However, under certain circumstances, child support can be extended past the age of 19 up until the age of 23. One such circumstance is if...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Personal Injury, Child Support and Domestic Violence for New Jersey on
Q: My daughter is mentally agonized and in trauma due to violent behavior of her father's girlfriend who came to our home

It happened in 2022 and since then a series of events happened including domestic violence on me (the mother by the father). I need to know what actions can I take against the father and his girl friend. My daughter is in High School and she is always traumatized that the woman may harm her

Leonard R. Boyer
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answered on Mar 31, 2024

You need to retain an experienced matrimonial attorney who has extensive domestic violence trial experience. The attorney will help you to obtain a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against both the father and his girlfriend. Criminal charges against both may also be possible, but that will require... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Child Support and Family Law for New Jersey on
Q: What do I do if my lawyer unresponsive and has not helped me in two years with a simple divorce case

My husband left and served me divorce papers in Oct. 2021- my was 16 at the time and now 18 and in college - I have not received any child support or aid for my daughters college - my lawyer claims to file a motion but court said they never received - I am suffering financially because of the... View More

Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
answered on Mar 22, 2024

My suggestion is that you need to schedule a consultation with another divorce lawyer. I dont know what occurred between you and your current lawyer but obviously there is an issue. If you want, write to the lawyer and ask him if he can schedule 10 minutes to update you on the current status of... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for New Jersey on
Q: Can I move out of the house with my kids before a divorce or agreement? Or would it be abandonment I live in NJ

Married 8 yrs living together 16. 2 kids 9 & 11 yrs old. The house is only under my husbands name but was bought right after my youngest son was born but before we got married, he doesn’t work(hasn’t for a few yrs) I pay the mortgage (I give him the money cash) and also pay bills thru my... View More

Allison Kruk Ormond
Allison Kruk Ormond
answered on Mar 12, 2024

Abandonment or desertion is a fault-based ground for divorce in New Jersey. It is defined by statute (N.J.S.A. 2A:34-2) as "willful and continued desertion" for a term of 12 months or longer. One way to establish abandonment as a fault-based ground for divorce is by providing proof that... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody, Child Support and Juvenile Law for New Jersey on
Q: My dad kicked me out of the house at 17 but won't let me proceed with adult measures. What do I do?

I became pregnant at 17 and made my dad aware. He told me that if I kept the baby, I would be out of the house but if I got rid of the baby, I could stay. I decided to keep the baby but asked if I could stay at least until I finished school and he continued to say that if I kept the baby, I would... View More

Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
answered on Jan 28, 2024

You need to meet with a social service worker from the county where you lived while living with your dad to find out what resources are available to you for healthcare, schooling, housing, etc to be able to finish school and for the baby's benefit. I would also talk with the father of your... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody and Child Support for New Jersey on
Q: I have joint custody of the children. My adversary hasn't consulted with anything, now ask me to pay for all expenses

I have joint custody of the children, but my adversary hasn't consulted me on any decisions since our divorce.

Without my input, she chose an expensive out-of-state school for our son. Recently, she filed a motion seeking me to cover all college and additional expenses. Do I stand a... View More

Bari Weinberger
Bari Weinberger
answered on Feb 6, 2024

Thank you for your question. I am sorry to hear you are going through this stressful time. In a situation like the one you describe, contesting such an issue is certainly possible but succeeding in same depends on a getting more parenting time could be possible, however this would be based upon a... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody and Child Support for New Jersey on
Q: I have joint custody of the children. My adversary hasn't consulted with anything, now ask me to pay for all expenses

I have joint custody of the children, but my adversary hasn't consulted me on any decisions since our divorce.

Without my input, she chose an expensive out-of-state school for our son. Recently, she filed a motion seeking me to cover all college and additional expenses. Do I stand a... View More

Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
answered on Jan 24, 2024

You NEED to meet with an experienced divorce lawyer and have him prepare your opposition paperwork and your cross application addressing your ex's failure / refusal to cooperate with your rights as a joint legal parent under the terms of your agreement. Simply walking into court and thinking... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for New Jersey on
Q: The court order and the transcript contain conflicting information

The court order does not specify that I am required to cover insurance premiums or extracurricular activities for the children. However, the court transcript indicates that the judge mentioned I need to bear these expenses. The other party has now filed a motion asking me to pay the bills. Is this... View More

Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
answered on Jan 24, 2024

If the transcript of the court proceeding contains specific items that the judge told you to take care of, but it appears that he forgot to include those items in his order, presume that he will take the position that the transcript controls and then he will correct his order to reflect those... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody, Child Support and Constitutional Law for New Jersey on
Q: Can the father of his pregnant minor daughter put the daughter's boyfriend on child support when the baby is born?

I'm currently 17 years old and I recently told my father I was pregnant. He's pushing abortion pretty hard but that's not my choice. The father of the baby is very involved and is currently 18. My father has given me an ultimatum: if I don't abort the baby, I'm to not be in... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 10, 2024

In your situation, it's important to understand that parental rights and responsibilities primarily rest with the biological parents of the child, not the grandparents. Once your baby is born, you and your boyfriend, as the biological parents, are the primary individuals responsible for the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Child Support for New Jersey on
Q: Health Insurance cost sharing when ex claims a kid for her own tax break?

Under my own name as PPR, claiming both kids qualifies them for cost-free Medicaid. By claiming my daughter on her taxes, my ex gets one deduction but potentially disqualifies my daughter from being covered under my Medicaid. If that happens, who becomes responsible for the new healthcare costs... View More

Leonard R. Boyer
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answered on Jan 1, 2024

The facts you stated do not support the results that you mentioned. You really need to retain an experienced matrimonial attorney to determine exactly what the situation is. Any custody or other issues should be resolved in a Court Order. Be prepared to pay a matrimonial attorney a consultation fee... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for New Jersey on
Q: If your child support payment is paid directly to custodial parent, how do you terminate child support?

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Bari Weinberger
Bari Weinberger
answered on Jan 5, 2024

Thank you for your question. First, check with the payee and see if she is willing to agree to terminate via a signed consent order which needs to be sent into the court and probation. If not than the payor would have to file a motion with the court to terminate child support based on the law or... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for New Jersey on
Q: If your child support payment is paid directly to custodial parent, how do you terminate child support?

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Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
answered on Dec 29, 2023

If payment of child support is direct and your agreement says that child support ends upon graduation from college, then you should not need an order of the court.

Where you would need an order of the court, or a letter signed by your ex as to the termination date is when the probation...
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3 Answers | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for New Jersey on
Q: If your child support payment is paid directly to custodial parent, how do you terminate child support?

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Leonard R. Boyer
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answered on Jan 1, 2024

You have to retain an experienced matrimonial attorney to file a motion for emancipation. This is the way to do it properly and avoid problems or potential problems. You should also consider the attorney's reviews. Pick the best attorney you can find and remember one rule: a good attorney is... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for New Jersey on
Q: Who pays for child's health insurance after the child is emancipated in New Jersey?

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Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
answered on Dec 29, 2023

Not an uncommon question today. Most people acknowledge that even after their child graduates from high school/college and goes into the workforce, they still need assistance from their parents, including continuing to keep them on their health insurance plan until their child turns 26. So even... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for New Jersey on
Q: To file motion to terminate child support in NJ, do you do so in the county where you divorced or where you reside now?
Leonard R. Boyer
Leonard R. Boyer pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 1, 2024

I respectfully disagree with my learner colleague Attorney Diamond. You can file in either the county where you reside and or where you were divorced. You are going to need to have a current 2022 tax return as well as a final W2 for 2023 if you are an employee. But if you own your own business you... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for New Jersey on
Q: To file motion to terminate child support in NJ, do you do so in the county where you divorced or where you reside now?
Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
answered on Dec 29, 2023

The county where the divorce judgment was entered.

Make sure you use the correct docket number on all pleadings filed and make sure that you send a duplicate copy of your application to your former spouse at the same time that you file with the court and make sure that you have proof of...
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2 Answers | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for New Jersey on
Q: Son moved out of his moms house at 18, hes now 20, I have arrears to pay but want it to go to him, not her.

In kayahan vs kayahan the father was allowed to pay the arrears directly to his son. that's what i would like to do. The mother and him aren't talking and he is willing to be on my side in court. I would also like to file to have the last year of arrears removed from the file since he was... View More

Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
answered on Dec 28, 2023

Your understanding of the decision in Kayahan is wrong. In that matter, the court said:

When an unemancipated child is over eighteen (18) years old, a court, may permit the non-custodial parent to pay part of his current child support obligation directly to the child.

You are not...
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2 Answers | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for New Jersey on
Q: Son moved out of his moms house at 18, hes now 20, I have arrears to pay but want it to go to him, not her.

In kayahan vs kayahan the father was allowed to pay the arrears directly to his son. that's what i would like to do. The mother and him aren't talking and he is willing to be on my side in court. I would also like to file to have the last year of arrears removed from the file since he was... View More

Leonard R. Boyer
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answered on Jan 1, 2024

You are incorrect The court in Kayahan ultimately found that payment of the child support to the “child” was not appropriate after weighing the facts of the case. However, this case has opened the door as another potential remedy to the misuse of child support payments by former spouses of... View More

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