Probation, Direct Pay, and Child Support Payment Attorneys Linden NJ

Child support paid through probation means there are records the court clerk can check

As one of the most important issues to be decided in a divorce, legal separation or dissolution of a civil union, child support provisions in your child-support agreement are key to protecting your child’s best interests and financial future. After a division of marital assets and calculations have been made, the custodial parent has to decide whether to have the child support payments go through the Probation Department or directly from the child’s other parent. Although the initial reaction might be to assume that direct payment is the best option, in many cases, it may be in the recipient’s best interest to receive payments through the probation NJ Court Probation Services – Child Support Enforcement Unit.

Realities of Child Support Paid through the NJ Probation Department

Although there is no guarantee that your former spouse or partner will actually meet their financial obligations, New Jersey Child Support laws and support guidelines calculator, in accordance with N.J. Ct. R. 5:6A empowers the Probation Department with tools to protect the child’s financial interests by doing all it can to ensure that the custodial parent receives the funds necessary to care for that child. Child support paid through probation means there are records the court clerk can check, see if payments are made when they were made, and how much the arrears are or the amount owed if any.

The Probation Department can actually enforce unpaid child support payments that by:

• garnishing wages
• arrange for state and/or federal tax refunds to be sent to the payee instead
• revoke or decline to renew a driver’s license
• revoke professional licenses

Uncertainties of Direct Pay – Often Considered the Riskier Option

As the custodial parent, it is within your rights to request that payments be made directly to you without going through probation if you have a good relationship with your co-parent, and believe in good faith they will fulfill their support obligations. To protect your child’s best interests, it is vital that you understand the consequences, your rights, and possible options, if for some reason your former partner stops making payments in a timely manner.

Can I Modify or Terminate An Existing Child Support Agreement in Cranford, NJ?

The short answer is yes, it is possible for a co-parent to either modify child support agreement or terminate support. However, in order to do so the parent requesting the support modification must show sufficient reasoning as to why these changes should be made. Our Union County attorney will strive to show that you experienced unexpected, significant, and permanent changes in your health or financial circumstances which have made your existing child support agreement unjust and/or untenable to your ability to adhere to an existing child custody agreement.

Current Issues Impacting Child Support Cases

During the current economic crisis and health epidemic, co-parents have experienced numerous issues related to their inability to fulfill their normal agreed upon and even child support obligation. These can be something as significant as lack of parenting time, underemployment, unemployment, or suspicion that the other may be hiding assets. It is difficult to predict as a custodial parent what issues may arise as it related to why your co-parent lacks the ability to pay support.

It is critical to find a child support attorney who sees you as a person with a unique set of circumstances and addresses your case on an individualized basis to accommodate your specific needs. The Law Office of Edward S. Cooper, Esq. provides this specialized attention to each and every one of his clients, and has the experience and knowledge to protect your rights and help you.

Linden NJ Child Support Attorney Helps You Choose the Child Support Option

When deciding which method of child support payment is best for you, it is highly recommended that you consult with an experienced Union County child support attorney. While there is very limited room for negotiation when it comes to exact payment amounts to be made and how your attorney can help you negotiate for the payment method that works best for you.

At The Law Office of Edward S. Cooper, Esq. we have extensive experience helping clients across Linden, Elizabeth, Summit, Union, and Union County with all manner of divorce issues, including child support. Attorney Edward Cooper strives to work closely with all of his clients, provide them with attentive and effective legal service, and keep them informed and involved throughout the legal process.

To speak with our firm today regarding your divorce or child support concerns and needs, please contact us online, or through our Linden, NJ office at (908) 481-4625.