Know your rights ·

The other parent is not paying ordered support

General information for New Jersey, New York and Washington, DC · Last updated

Quick answer

Use the support-enforcement process; do not try to collect by withholding parenting time.

Do now

Compare the order with the official payment ledger, including payments made directly. Keep bank records and receipts. Contact the responsible support agency or ask the issuing court about enforcement. Identify whether the problem is nonpayment, an incorrect ledger, or an employer withholding issue.

Watch for

Do not assume every enforcement tool applies immediately. A court may need proof, notice, and a hearing. Parenting-time enforcement and financial enforcement should be raised through the appropriate separate requests.

Official sources

NJ Courts — FD modification application packet, NY Courts — Starting a Child Support Case, DC Courts — Parentage and Child Support Branch.

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