The Sheriff’s Association of New Jersey recently held its annual Child Support Warrant Sweep and the effort led to more than 1,100 arrests throughout the state. Sheriff’s officers, in collaboration with a variety of other agencies in the state, canvassed New Jersey from June 18 to June 20, arresting people who either failed to pay child support or neglected to attend court hearings to establish child or medical support orders.

This three-day sweep should remind New Jersey residents that a child support order is a legal court order. Failing to abide by such an order can lead to very serious consequences, including wage garnishment, revoked parenting time and even jail time in some cases. New Jersey residents who cannot meet their legal child support obligations need to petition the court for a child support modification.

A modification may be possible if either parent’s financial situation has changed significantly since the order was issued–perhaps one parent’s income has increased or decreased, for example. The order may also be modifiable if the child’s financial needs have changed.

It is possible to petition the court in New Jersey for a decrease, increase or even a termination of your child support order. The same can be done with an alimony order, provided there has been a substantial change in the financial circumstances of either the payee or the payor.

Those who need help modifying a child support or alimony order, or defending against a modification request, may benefit from working with a family law attorney.

Source: Cape May County Herald, “1,127 Apprehended in Three-Day Statewide Child Support Sweep,” Lenora Boninfante, June 28, 2013