Income withholding is a deduction of a payment for child support from a parent’s income. An order for income withholding can be from a court or administratively ordered by a child support agency—such as the child support division of the state’s Attorney General’s office.
The parent's employer often transmits the money directly to the child support agency.
In New Jersey, income withholding is a common method used to collect child support payments. When a parent is ordered to pay child support, the amount can be automatically deducted from their wages through an income withholding order. This order can be issued by a court or administratively by a child support agency, such as the New Jersey Office of Child Support Services (OCSS), which operates under the Department of Human Services. Employers are required to deduct the specified amount from the employee's paycheck and send it directly to the New Jersey Family Support Payment Center, which then disburses the funds to the custodial parent. Employers must comply with the withholding order as soon as possible, typically within 14 days of receiving the notice. Failure to withhold the income as directed can result in penalties for the employer. This process ensures a consistent and timely payment of child support, helping to secure the financial well-being of children involved.