Turning Fear Into Power

Enforcement of Child Support in New York and New Jersey

Staten Island Family Law Attorneys

In the event your ex-spouse or partner fails to pay his or her court-ordered support obligation or fails to meet any other obligations stated in your Separation Agreement or Court Order, you may need an attorney to protect and exercise your rights to the fullest extent of the law. This may include asking the judge to hold your ex-spouse in contempt of court or seeking an order garnishing his or her wages.

Whatever you need as a father, we will assert your rights to the support and benefits you deserve. If you need help enforcing child support payments in Staten Island, Brooklyn, or the New Jersey counties of Monmouth or Middlesex, contact us to schedule a Legal Strategy Session at your earliest opportunity.

Steps for Enforcing Child Support in Staten Island and New York

Every state, including New York, operates a child support enforcement program. These federally funded programs were established to locate absent parents, determine paternity, and enforce child support payments for the maintenance of children. In the State of New York, the State Office of Child Support Enforcement heads the Child Support Enforcement Unit (CSEU) and the Support Collection Unit (SCU).

After you obtain a court order, CSEU or the SCU will enforce the collection of any child support payments you have not received as well as try to enforce future payments. Techniques that can be used to enforce child support payments include wage garnishment, liens against assets, income execution, contempt of court, suspension of drivers and professional licenses, and, in some cases, incarceration.

Consult with us about the particulars of your child support situation. We will advise you of your legal rights and the legal procedures after a confidential strategy session, needed for enforcing child support obligations. We will follow through with taking the appropriate legal action on your behalf.

Contact us today by calling (800) 560-0922!

Have Questions?

We Have Answers!

Can My Spouse Transfer Property or Remove My Name From Insurance Policies During Our Divorce Proceedings?

In September 2009, the New York State legislature enacted new Automatic Restraining Orders which prevent parties from incurring unreasonable debt, spending unreasonable amounts of money, with the exception of the payment of regular bills and reasonable legal fees, from transferring property, removing or terminating insurances, etc. during the divorce. These orders are automatically binding upon the plaintiff, and become binding upon the defendant, once he or she is served with the documents initiating the divorce.
Can the Family Court Divide Our Property Without Us Going Through a Divorce?

No, the Family Court does not have the power to divide marital property. Only the Supreme Court has the jurisdiction to distribute property and to grant divorces.
Can I Start a Divorce Against My Spouse When I Reside in New York, but My Spouse Does Not Reside in the Country?

The short answer to this question is, generally, yes, however, this is a complicated issue and it is important for you to speak with an experienced attorney about the issues of service of process on your spouse pursuant to international law. When the country in which your spouse is to be served is a signatory to the Hague Service Convention, the documents to be served will need to be translated into the official language of that country and presented to a Central Authority authorized to effectuate service in that country. This is often a lengthy process, which includes the translation of legal documents, shipping of those documents abroad, and locating your spouse. Attorney Dow has experience organizing the service of international process and welcomes the opportunity to help you serve your internationally located spouse.