During your divorce, you could have many topics to go over, especially if you have kids. Aside from child custody and property division, you might have to take a careful look at child support. If you have to pay child support or these obligations will come up soon, make sure you understand factors that can affect the amount you owe and prepare for making payments.
Understanding your payment options is pivotal, especially since falling behind on child support can lead to severe penalties.
Income withholding and child support
Many parents fulfill child support obligations through income withholding orders. The New Jersey Department of Human Services says that income withholding, which involves deducting support from your paycheck, simplifies the process of paying support. In addition to withholding from your wages, a withholding order could also apply to your disability, Social Security or unemployment benefits.
Other child support payment options
In some instances, income withholding is not possible, and parents have to find a different way to pay child support. If you find yourself in this position, make sure you review all options carefully. For example, you can pay support online through various platforms or in person at certain retail locations. You can also mail a check or pay at a child support office.
Depending on the payment method you choose, you could use your credit card, debit card, bank account or cash to pay support. However, you should note that some payment methods charge transaction fees and can take longer to process your payments, which highlights the importance of identifying the most practical child support payment method.
