When a couple with children divorces, it can be difficult for the lower-income parent to make ends meet. Child support is used as a means of assistance in this situation. A parent can petition for support directly from the other parent, or they may go on public assistance and the New Jersey government will do everything in its power to collect from the payer. The government does this to ensure the child has what they need without putting undue burden on taxpayers.
Public assistance for divorced parents provides money for things like daycare, food stamps and housing. In some cases, the parent who must pay child support is the one seeking assistance. Because aid is based on income, it can be difficult for some parents to quality, but it’s not impossible. A wide range of financial circumstances are taken into account when making these legal decisions.
Parents who live separately but don’t divorce may also need help paying their bills. While the parent in need might not qualify for public assistance as the dependent part of a married couple, they may qualify if they obtain a separation order. A separation agreement with a child support provision can be taken to a public assistance office to obtain funding.
Divorced or separated parents who are in need of public assistance may want to get representation from a lawyer. It’s generally the responsibility of the attorney to provide their client with the documents and information needed to obtain assistance. If necessary, they will represent their client in child support negotiations and argue on their behalf in a court.
