If your ex-spouse isn’t paying court-ordered child support in Hackensack, you’re not alone—and you’re not powerless. Child support enforcement Hackensack cases are among the most common issues handled by Bergen County Family Court, and New Jersey law provides powerful tools to force non-paying parents to fulfill their obligations.
As a child support lawyer Hackensack NJ with over 40 years of experience, I’ve helped hundreds of parents recover unpaid support and hold deadbeat parents accountable. Here’s what you need to know about your rights and options.
Why Child Support Enforcement Matters
When a parent fails to pay child support, it’s not just a financial inconvenience—it affects your child’s quality of life. That money is meant for food, clothing, healthcare, education, and housing. In Hackensack and throughout Bergen County, the courts take child support obligations seriously because children’s wellbeing depends on both parents contributing financially.
If you’re owed back child support, you have legal recourse. The first step is understanding what child support enforcement Hackensack options are available through New Jersey’s family court system.
How New Jersey Courts Enforce Child Support Payments
Bergen County Family Court has several enforcement mechanisms at its disposal. These remedies escalate based on the severity and duration of non-payment.
Wage Garnishment
The most common enforcement method is income withholding, where child support payments are automatically deducted from the non-paying parent’s paycheck. New Jersey law requires employers to comply with wage garnishment orders, making this one of the most effective tools for child support enforcement Hackensack cases.
Wage garnishment can take up to 65% of a parent’s disposable income if they’re significantly behind on payments. This happens automatically through the New Jersey Family Support Payment Center, ensuring consistent, timely payments.
License Suspension
When parents fall significantly behind—typically more than $2,500 in arrears—New Jersey can suspend their driver’s license, professional licenses, or recreational licenses (hunting, fishing). This creates immediate consequences that often motivate payment.
If you’re working with a child support lawyer in Hackensack, they can petition the court to suspend licenses as part of your enforcement action.
Tax Refund Interception
Both federal and state tax refunds can be intercepted to pay overdue child support. The New Jersey Family Support Payment Center automatically submits delinquent cases to the federal Treasury Offset Program, redirecting tax refunds to cover arrears.
Property Liens
The court can place liens on the non-paying parent’s property, including real estate, vehicles, and bank accounts. While this doesn’t immediately collect the debt, it prevents them from selling or refinancing assets without first satisfying the child support obligation.
Contempt of Court and Jail Time
The most serious consequence of non-payment is a contempt of court charge. If a parent willfully refuses to pay despite having the ability to do so, Bergen County Family Court can order jail time. I’ve seen judges sentence non-paying parents to county jail until they purge the contempt by making payment arrangements. A bench warrant can also be issued for parents who miss court-ordered payment hearings, leading to arrest.
When to Hire a Child Support Lawyer in Hackensack
While New Jersey’s Probation Division handles some enforcement automatically, hiring a child support lawyer Hackensack NJ can significantly accelerate the process, especially if:
- Your ex is self-employed or hiding income
- They’ve moved out of state to avoid payment
- You’re owed substantial arrears (over $10,000)
- Previous enforcement attempts have failed
- Your ex is making partial payments to avoid contempt
- You need to establish or modify the support amount
An experienced attorney knows how to navigate Bergen County Family Court procedures, file the appropriate motions, and present compelling evidence of non-payment. We can also pursue enforcement across state lines if your ex has left New Jersey.
Steps to Take When Child Support Isn't Being Paid
If you’re facing non-payment in Hackensack, take these immediate steps:
Document everything. Keep detailed records of missed payments, including dates, amounts owed, and any communications with your ex about the arrears. This evidence is crucial for child support enforcement Hackensack proceedings.
Contact the probation department. Bergen County Probation handles child support enforcement and can initiate wage garnishment or other remedies. However, their caseloads are heavy, and they may not act as quickly as you need.
File a motion for enforcement. Your attorney can file a motion with Bergen County Family Court to enforce the existing order and request specific remedies like contempt charges or license suspension.
Consider modification. If your ex claims they can’t pay due to changed circumstances, the court may need to review whether a modification is warranted. However, arrears still remain owed even if future payments are reduced.
Protecting Your Children's Financial Future
Your children deserve the financial support they’re entitled to under New Jersey law. Don’t let non-payment continue month after month, accumulating arrears that become harder to collect. The longer you wait, the more difficult enforcement becomes.
The Davies Law Firm has spent over 40 years fighting for Hackensack parents who aren’t receiving the child support their children need and deserve. Whether you’re dealing with a few missed payments or years of arrears, The Davies Law Firm can help you navigate child support enforcement Hackensack procedures and hold your ex accountable.
Contact us today for a consultation:
Phone: (201) 820-3460
Address: 45 Essex Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601
Don’t wait another month without the support your children need.
