5 Reasons Support Payments Stop
Should a divorce settlement or court order include child support or alimony, parties rely on those payments to maintain financial stability. Whether it’s providing for children’s needs or helping a former spouse adjust after a marriage ends, support payments are legally enforceable obligations.
While payment obligations are largely understood, many individuals in New Jersey find themselves dealing with missed or stopped payments. Talk to a Somerset County family lawyer if your support payments have stopped. Then, you can learn about how to take quick, effective action.
Why Payments Cease
If you’ve stopped receiving support, don’t wait to act. Start by documenting all missed payments. Payments typically cease for one or more of the following common reasons.
- Job loss or income reduction. One of the most common reasons for a sudden halt in payments is a change in financial circumstances. If the paying spouse loses their job, faces a reduction in hours, or experiences a pay cut, they may temporarily struggle to meet their obligations. While this can be a legitimate hardship, it does not automatically excuse missed payments. The payor must petition the court for a modification of the support order. Simply stopping payments without approval can lead to serious legal and financial consequences.
- Remarriage or cohabitation. In New Jersey, certain types of alimony may end if the recipient remarries or enters a supportive cohabiting relationship. However, this doesn’t happen automatically. The paying spouse must request a review or termination of alimony based on the new circumstances, providing evidence of remarriage or cohabitation. Importantly, child support is separate, it continues regardless of the recipient’s marital status.
- Children reaching majority age. Child support usually ends when a child turns 19 in New Jersey, unless the court extends it for reasons such as college attendance or special needs. Parents sometimes assume payments stop automatically, but it’s wise to confirm this with the court or through the New Jersey Probation Division to avoid overpayment or enforcement issues.
- Court-ordered modification or termination. Either party can request a modification to increase, decrease, or terminate support based on significant changes in financial or personal circumstances. Until the court approves those changes, the original order remains enforceable.
- Intentional nonpayment or contempt. Unfortunately, some individuals stop paying support intentionally. This can stem from disputes, resentment, or an attempt to exert control. In these cases, enforcement becomes critical. Swift legal action may be necessary to recover overdue payments and hold the nonpaying party accountable.
If you are the one struggling to make payments, file for a modification before you fall behind. This can protect you from future penalties or wage garnishment.
Protecting Your Rights and Financial Security
Support payments are designed to provide stability. When payments stop, it can jeopardize a person’ s financial well-being. A skilled Somerset County family lawyer can assist in restoring balance.
What support payment issues are you experiencing? If your alimony or child support payments have stopped, contact the attorneys at the Law Offices of Kisha M. Hebbon, LLC. Schedule a confidential consultation to learn more.
