New Jersey Child Support FAQs
We receive phone calls; lots of phone calls.
Often, we’re able to point a single parent in the right direction, which makes us feel good whether they use our services or not. Nothing can beat many of the fantastic family law attorneys in New Jersey, but it may not something that everyone can afford.
In New Jersey, children have a fundamental, constitutional right to be financially supported by both of their parents. While we are a non-attorney service that will not provide legal advice, we can help to point you toward the online resources provided by the state and counties.
Here are some common FAQs we receive, with accurate answers as per State of New Jersey online sources, as of today. As always, phone your county’s child support services agency to confirm.
What if the father does not acknowledge parental status?
If the father does not agree that the child is his, a genetic test must be done. If the test scores 95% or higher, the man is presumed by law to be the father. Also contrary to popular belief, a DNA test is not the only way paternity can be established. In fact, paternity can be established through several means.
Can I change a child support amount if I need to?
Yes, but to change it, you must go through a process like the one when the child support order was entered. Whoever wants the change must file papers at the Court, and ask for a hearing or conference. The law says that whoever wants the change has to prove that there are major changes in their money situation that they can't control, and that the changes are going to last for a long time. If there is a good reason, the Court can recalculate the child support.
How should I respond to my children when they ask about their other parent’s failure to keep up with child support, or if the other parent is choosing not to be part of their lives?
Unless your family has faced serious issues such as domestic violence or substance abuse, co-parenting—having both parents play an active role in their children’s lives—is the best way to ensure that all your kids’ needs are met and enable them to retain close relationships with both parents.
Whichever custody arrangements you’ve agreed to can be exhausting, and stressful, especially if you have a contentious relationship with your ex-partner.
Between one parent’s history with their other parent, and the stress each may be under, especially early on in the process, it’s crucial that both parents make a conscious and constant effort NOT to speak poorly of the other parent, or attempt to turn your children against the other parent. Your anger and resentment could easily be turned back on you if the children are at all sympathetic to the other parent, which is highly likely the case. Like you, the other person is their parent as well.
The “new” relationship you’re creating with the other parent needs to ensure that your kids should recognize that they are more important than the conflict that ended your marriage or partnership. Both parents need to make it a priority for the children to understand that their love for them will prevail despite these changing circumstances.
Can you recommend a good attorney?
No. We cannot provide legal advice, create legal documents, or make attorney referrals, but feel free to call us if you already have an attorney or if you are pursuing a civil family matter on your own. Our process servers are experienced with facilitating the service of process of marital and family-related court papers.
When serving these papers, we are aware of and sensitive to the needs of everyone involved. Our goal is to execute service without disturbing any of the children who may be present.
Can you recommend a good resource for parents to use to research these topics on their own?
Of course!
The New Jersey Department of Human Services
Justia’s New Jersey Child Support Information page, recently updated.
