How do I open a child support case?

Apply through your state's Child Support Services agency — usually online, in person, or by mail. Applications are free, and the agency handles paternity establishment, order creation, and enforcement on your behalf. You don't need the other parent's cooperation to open a case.

Can I modify my child support order?

Yes, if there's a substantial change in circumstances (income drop of 15–25% or more, job loss, disability, a new child, change in custody time). File a Motion to Modify with the court that issued the original order. Most states don't modify retroactively — file as soon as circumstances change.

What happens if I can't pay?

Contact the child support agency immediately — don't ignore the debt. Options include payment plans, hardship modifications, and in some states, work programs that substitute community service for payment. Accumulated arrears don't disappear but can sometimes be reduced through debt compromise programs.

How is the amount calculated?

Each state uses guidelines — most follow Income Shares (combining both parents' income) or Percentage of Income (only non-custodial parent's income). Online calculators on every state agency site estimate your obligation. The actual order also considers health insurance, childcare, and other add-ons.

Child Support in New Jersey

9 verified resources.

About Child Support for Fathers

Child support in the United States is administered state-by-state under the Title IV-D federal program, with every state required to operate a child support enforcement agency. These agencies establish paternity, locate non-custodial parents, calculate support obligations, and enforce payments through wage garnishment, tax refund intercepts, license suspension, and other civil enforcement tools. Support amounts are calculated using state-specific guidelines, most based on an income shares or percentage-of-income formula. Fathers paying support can request modifications when their income drops substantially or when circumstances change (job loss, additional children, disability). Fathers owed support can open a case with their state agency free of charge. This directory includes each state's child support agency, online calculators, local enforcement offices, and modification resources.

Child Support in New Jersey

New Jersey Superior Court Family Part handles family law in each of its 15 vicinages. The Office of Child Support Services operates under DHS. Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, and Trenton are the largest cities. Legal Services of New Jersey coordinates six regional LSC-funded programs covering all 21 counties.

9 Resources

1. NJ Division of Family Development - Child Support — Free

State agency administering New Jersey's child support program including establishment, enforcement, and modification of child support orders statewide. Located in Trenton. Call 609-588-2400 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm. Services include paternity establishment, income withholding, license suspension for non-payment, and interstate enforcement. Both custodial and non-custodial parents can initiate cases. Use the NJKiDS portal to manage payments and track case status online.

609-588-2400 · P.O. Box 716, Trenton, NJ 08625 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. NJKiDS - Child Support Online Portal — Free

Official online portal for managing NJ child support cases at njchildsupport.gov. Parents can make payments, view case status, check payment history, and access account information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call the support line at 1-877-655-4371 Monday through Friday 8am to 7pm. Use the portal to set up automatic payments, download payment records for court, and update contact information. Registration with a case number is required.

1-877-655-4371 · Online portal · Phone Mon-Fri 8am-7pm; online 24/7 · Visit Website

3. Essex County Probation - Child Support — Free

Essex County Probation Division monitoring and enforcing child support payments through the Newark office at 212 Washington St. Handles payment processing, wage garnishment, contempt actions, and license suspension for non-compliance. Call 1-877-655-4371 for statewide support or visit the Newark office Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Bring your case number and payment records when visiting. Both custodial and non-custodial parents can request assistance.

1-877-655-4371 · 212 Washington St, Room 103, Newark, NJ 07102 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

4. Bergen County Probation - Child Support — Free

Bergen County Probation Division in Hackensack handles child support payment monitoring, enforcement actions, paternity establishment, and compliance oversight. Located at 10 Main St. Call 1-877-655-4371 for statewide support Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Services include wage garnishment setup, license suspension for non-payment, and case modifications. Bring your case number and any court orders when contacting the office. Both parents may initiate enforcement requests.

1-877-655-4371 · 10 Main St, Room 163, Hackensack, NJ 07601 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

5. Camden County Probation - Child Support — Free

Camden County Probation Division handles child support payment monitoring, enforcement actions, and compliance for Camden County residents. Located at 5 Executive Campus in Cherry Hill. Call 1-877-655-4371 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Services include income withholding orders, contempt proceedings, and license suspensions for non-payment. Use the NJKiDS portal to check payment status online. Bring your case number and court orders when visiting.

1-877-655-4371 · 5 Executive Campus, Suite 200, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

6. Mercer County Probation - Child Support — Free

Mercer County Probation Division in Trenton manages child support enforcement, payment monitoring, and compliance for the state capital region. Located at 175 S Broad St. Call 1-877-655-4371 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Handles wage garnishment, contempt proceedings, and license suspension for non-payment. Both custodial and non-custodial parents can request enforcement or modification reviews. Bring your case number and all relevant court documents when visiting.

1-877-655-4371 · 175 S Broad St, Trenton, NJ 08650 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

7. NJ Child Support QuickCalc — Free

Official NJ child support guidelines calculator for estimating payment amounts based on the income shares model per NJ Court Rule Appendix IX-F. Available free online at quickcalc.njchildsupport.gov 24 hours a day. Enter both parents' incomes, custody arrangement, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses to generate an estimate. Results are unofficial but useful for court preparation. Consult an attorney or legal aid office to review your calculated obligation before court proceedings.

Online tool · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

8. NJ Child Support Enforcement — Free

NJ Courts division handling enforcement of child support orders through wage garnishment, bank levies, license suspension, passport denial, and contempt proceedings for non-payment. Located at 25 Market St in Trenton. Call 1-877-655-4371 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Custodial parents can report non-payment and request enforcement. Non-custodial parents may request payment plan adjustments or modification reviews if circumstances have changed significantly.

1-877-655-4371 · 25 Market St, Trenton, NJ 08625 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

9. NJ Legal Services - Child Support Help — Free

Free legal assistance for low-income parents navigating child support establishment, modification, or enforcement through Legal Services of NJ. Call the LSNJ LAW hotline at 1-888-576-5529 Monday through Friday 8am to 5:30pm. Income eligibility required. Services include help filing for support, requesting modifications based on changed circumstances, and defending against improper enforcement. Visit lsnjlaw.org for self-help resources and guidance on NJ child support processes.

1-888-576-5529 · P.O. Box 1357, Edison, NJ 08818 · Mon-Fri 8am-5:30pm · Visit Website

Child Support — Common Questions

How do I open a child support case?: Apply through your state's Child Support Services agency — usually online, in person, or by mail. Applications are free, and the agency handles paternity establishment, order creation, and enforcement on your behalf. You don't need the other parent's cooperation to open a case.
Can I modify my child support order?: Yes, if there's a substantial change in circumstances (income drop of 15–25% or more, job loss, disability, a new child, change in custody time). File a Motion to Modify with the court that issued the original order. Most states don't modify retroactively — file as soon as circumstances change.
What happens if I can't pay?: Contact the child support agency immediately — don't ignore the debt. Options include payment plans, hardship modifications, and in some states, work programs that substitute community service for payment. Accumulated arrears don't disappear but can sometimes be reduced through debt compromise programs.
How is the amount calculated?: Each state uses guidelines — most follow Income Shares (combining both parents' income) or Percentage of Income (only non-custodial parent's income). Online calculators on every state agency site estimate your obligation. The actual order also considers health insurance, childcare, and other add-ons.