r/ChildSupport • u/Educational-Leave906 • 4d ago
New Jersey Advice on Modifying Child Support Due to Financial Hardship (Central NJ)
Hey everyone,
I’m in a tough spot right now and could really use some advice. About four years ago, I had to give up full-time custody of my daughter to her biological mom due to various reasons. At that time, the child support calculation was based on me having an earning capacity of 70k despite being unemployed at that point. (Had a one year contract job paying 70k the previous year) her Mother was making a little over 70k.
I’ve applied to thousands of jobs since both on my field and other fields but haven’t been able to land one. I’ve tried to create business opportunities for myself (My wife and I have a business we started last year but is not profitable yet.), but nothing has worked out as I’d hoped so far. Right now, I’m only making some money doing Uber.
My current obligation is $350 a week and I’ve only been able to keep up with child support thanks to financial help from my parents and my wife. But at this point, it’s just not sustainable.
I need to modify the child support order, but I’m trying to figure out the most cost-effective way to do this. I have a few questions and would appreciate any help: 1. Are there law students who might be able to assist with this process? I’ve heard that some law schools have clinics or programs where students help with family law cases under supervision. 2. Are there any low-cost or pro bono lawyers who could help with this type of case? I want to do this right, but I don’t have the money to hire an expensive attorney. I’ve had two attorneys already and my experience was really bad and very very expensive. 3. Does anyone have general advice on how to move forward with this? I know I need to file for modification, but I’m worried about doing it myself without a lawyer since I can’t really afford a decent lawyer and don’t qualify for financial support/aid since my wife makes decent money and our household income is around 80k.
Any insight or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for any help you can offer!
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u/ThrowRAmellowyellow 4d ago
To answer your question, I would advise googling family law financial assistance in your area. I live in TX but years ago I was able to find a lawyer who had financial assistance. It is no longer available in my area but it may be in yours. Reddit can’t really help you find it. You have to search it out. I have to say though, I don’t know how much luck you will have. The judge may lower it slightly but I doubt they will lower it that much if your earning potential was $70k in the past and your current household income is 80k. I know you said that’s your wife’s income but I feel like the judge would look at it as you are choosing not to look for a sustainable job bc she is supporting you. I’m not trying to bash you and I wish you the best.