Negotiating child support payments in New Jersey is a complicated process. It's also emotional and stressful for everyone involved. Once a support order is finally set, it's supposed to stay in place for a specified period of time. But if you discover that your ex has been hiding assets or getting paid in cash, is it possible to change the child support order to reflect your ex's true financial situation?

The Lento Law Firm can help you determine the best course of action and get the full support you're entitled to and deserve. Our Family Law Team has years of experience representing clients throughout New Jersey in all matters pertaining to child support payments. Contact us at 888-535-3686, or submit a confidential online consultation form.

How Child Support Is Calculated in New Jersey

In New Jersey, the amount of child support a spouse receives depends on many things. The nature of the custody arrangement, the number of children involved, how old the children are, and where the parents live are some of the factors that go into the calculation. However, the parents' income is probably one of the most important elements of a child support payment.

In general, tax returns, W-2s, pay stubs, and financial statements are all used to calculate income. If you discover that your ex is somehow hiding money from you and the court and that your original support order was based on your ex's false information, you're probably extremely upset and might not know what, if anything, can be done about it. Recourse is available to you, but it's critical to act quickly and carefully to ensure that you and your children receive all of the support you need and deserve.

How to Appeal or Modify a Child Support Order in New Jersey

Upon discovering that your ex is hiding assets, depending on how long it's been since the original order was set, you might be able to appeal the original order. If too much time has passed to file an appeal, you might also be able to modify your child support order. To modify it, you'll need to tell the court that there are new circumstances that are significant enough to justify the modification of your order.

Finding out that your ex hasn't been truthful about their real income and financial situation would likely qualify as a significant change and will also show that your ex isn't acting in good faith. Your ex might also be facing criminal penalties for fraud and could potentially be on the hook for retroactive child support payments that reflect their true income. This is a serious matter with significant implications for you and your kids that you shouldn't try to handle on your own.

The Lento Law Firm Can Help Parents Whose Exes Hide Assets for Child Support

Planning your finances around child support payments from your ex can be challenging. Whether you're sharing custody or have sole custody and are raising your kids on your own, your child support payment amount should reflect your ex's true income. If you suspect your ex is somehow hiding assets or underreporting their income, you need an experienced Family Law Team to help you make things right. Contact the Lento Law Firm for help. We'll assess your case and help you get the full support you're entitled to under the law. Contact us at 888-535-3686, or submit a confidential online consultation form.