Child Support Attorneys in New Jersey & New York
Last year, we helped families recover over $22.1 million in unpaid child support.
Because when a parent refuses to pay, the ones who suffer most are the children.
At Ziegler Law Group LLC, we fight for fairness and accountability. Our attorneys in New Jersey and New York specialize in enforcing child support orders, locating hidden income, and recovering arrears owed to custodial parents.
We know how emotionally and financially draining it can be when your co-parent doesn’t fulfill their obligations. Our mission is simple: to make sure your children receive the support they deserve, consistently and in full.
Understanding Child Support Obligations
Child support is more than a legal requirement, it is a moral commitment to provide for your child’s needs.
In New Jersey and New York, child support covers essentials such as housing, food, education, clothing, and medical care.
The exact amount is determined based on:
- Each parent’s income and earning capacity
- The number of children
- Custody and visitation arrangements
- Healthcare and childcare costs
- The child’s standard of living before divorce or separation
Once a child support order is established, it becomes a legally binding court directive. Failure to comply can lead to serious financial and legal consequences.
What Happens When Child Support Isn’t Paid
When one parent fails to pay, the impact is immediate — unpaid bills, instability, stress, and resentment.
But non-payment isn’t just unfair, it’s against the law.
Courts can enforce child support orders through several powerful tools:
- Wage Garnishment – automatic deductions from the paying parent’s income.
- Bank Account Seizure – direct collection from financial accounts.
- Tax Refund Interception – redirecting federal or state refunds toward unpaid support.
- License Suspension – revoking driving, business, or professional licenses.
- Contempt of Court – imposing fines or even jail time for willful noncompliance.
At Ziegler Law Group, we use every legal mechanism available to recover what your children are owed.
How We Recovered Over $22.1 Million in One Year
Our success is not luck — it’s strategy.
In 2024, Ziegler Law Group’s Child Support Enforcement Division achieved more than $22.1 million in recovered support across New Jersey and New York.
We did it through:
- Aggressive enforcement motions and wage garnishments.
- Financial tracing using forensic accountants.
- Cooperation with state and federal agencies.
- Personalized legal strategies for complex or high-income cases.
Each case represents more than numbers — it represents stability for families, school tuition paid, and children’s futures protected.
Enforcement Options for Custodial Parents
If your ex-partner refuses to pay child support, you have legal remedies.
Our attorneys can file enforcement motions to:
- Collect arrears (past-due payments).
- Request interest on unpaid balances.
- Seek reimbursement for medical or educational expenses.
- Enforce health insurance coverage.
- Hold the non-paying parent in contempt of court.
The court may also issue income withholding orders or even seize assets to ensure compliance.
Ziegler Law Group’s attorneys move fast and act decisively because every missed payment matters.
Finding Hidden Income and Assets
Some parents go to great lengths to avoid paying child support, hiding income or claiming unemployment while maintaining their lifestyle.
Our legal and forensic team specializes in uncovering these deceptions.
We investigate:
- False self-employment or business expense deductions.
- Undisclosed freelance or “cash” income.
- Hidden bank accounts, investments, or property.
- Cryptocurrency or digital wallets.
- Income manipulation through family-owned businesses.
With advanced tracing methods and court-authorized discovery, we ensure that every dollar owed is found and accounted for.
Modifying Child Support Orders
Life changes, and sometimes support orders must change too.
If your financial circumstances or your child’s needs have shifted, you can request a modification.
You may qualify for a modification if:
- Your income has significantly increased or decreased.
- Your child’s expenses have changed (education, medical, or special needs).
- Custody or parenting time arrangements have been altered.
Ziegler Law Group helps parents file modification petitions backed by strong documentation and financial evidence.
Whether you need an increase or a reduction, we make sure the outcome remains fair and balanced.
Consequences for Failing to Pay Child Support
Ignoring child support orders can result in escalating legal consequences, including:
- Wage garnishment and property liens
- Driver’s license suspension
- Passport denial or revocation
- Seizure of tax refunds or lottery winnings
- Contempt of court proceedings and possible incarceration
These measures exist to ensure accountability, but our focus is not punishment — it’s compliance.
Our goal is always to secure consistent, sustainable payments that truly support your children.
When the Other Parent Moves Out of State
If your co-parent relocates to another state, your support order still applies.
The Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) allows enforcement across all U.S. states.
Our attorneys coordinate with out-of-state agencies and courts to:
- Enforce existing orders.
- Collect arrears across jurisdictions.
- Locate non-paying parents through federal databases.
Distance does not stop enforcement.
Ziegler Law Group ensures your child’s rights travel with them, no matter where the other parent goes.
How Ziegler Law Group Protects Your Family
From the first consultation to the final payment recovered, we combine persistence, compassion, and results.
We provide:
- Aggressive Enforcement – pursuing unpaid support through every legal channel.
- Financial Investigation – uncovering hidden assets and income sources.
- Legal Precision – filing enforcement and contempt motions promptly.
- Emotional Support – guiding parents through an often exhausting process.
With over 100 years of combined family law experience, our firm has helped hundreds of families in New Jersey and New York achieve financial justice for their children.
Because child support isn’t about money — it’s about dignity, fairness, and responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my ex refuses to pay child support?
We can file an enforcement motion immediately. The court can garnish wages, seize assets, or hold the parent in contempt.
Can I collect child support from a parent living in another state?
Yes. Child support orders are enforceable nationwide under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA).
How long can unpaid child support be collected?
In most cases, unpaid child support, or arrears, can be collected indefinitely until fully paid, including interest.
Can child support be modified?
Yes. Either parent can request modification if there’s a significant change in income or the child’s needs.
What if I never filed for child support before?
You can file at any time, and support may be retroactively applied from the date of your filing.
If your co-parent isn’t paying, don’t wait another month.
Let our team trusted by judges, respected by peers, and chosen by professionals represent you.
Schedule a confidential consultation with a family law attorney in New Jersey or New York today.
Call us at: 973-533-1100
New Jersey Office: 651 W. Mt Pleasant Ave, Suite 150, Livingston, NJ 07039
New York Offices: 3 Columbus Circle, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10019 | 107 North Main Street, New City, New York 10956
