For many individuals who go through a divorce, final paperwork can be a symbol of freedom and long awaited relief. Yet for those divorcing with children, matters can inevitably become more complicated, and issues can pursue long after legal procedures have ended. In New Jersey, the law protects children in divorces, including protection that enforces child support payments.
Ideally, those assigned with child support payments help supply children with necessities, funding for extracurricular activities and other needs. Unfortunately, New Jersey News reports, this is not always the case. Just last year, police arrested 35 individuals who failed to pay child support in New Jersey. The arrests came after a long-awaited statewide sweep that tracked down individuals delinquent in making child support payments. According to the report, the operation involved 28 Sheriff’s Officers who served outstanding warrants and made arrests; parents owing more than $869,819 in payments were arrested. The state hopes to continue this success in tracking down those who fail to pay child support, stressing that children rely on these payments for food, shelter, healthcare and back-to-school clothing.
When a parent fails to make child support payments, the other parent may choose from a variety of enforcement services to take action. The New Jersey Department of Human Services states that unpaid child support is debt owed, and is called arrears. Enforcement includes collecting arrears or making sure health insurance coverage is in effect. Like many states, New Jersey uses a computerized system to record and monitor child support payments. When its comes to calling for action, judges and hearing officers make the final verdict of issuing warrants and stipulation of warrants.