The objective of the Child Support and Paternity Program is to improve the enforcement of the child support and paternity obligations of legally responsible parents. Offered services include parental location, establishment of paternity, support orders, and upward modifications of existing orders. Cooperation with the Child Support Program is mandatory for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families recipients. Child support and paternity services are available to all residents of Mercer County for a $6.00 fee.

WHO CAN GET HELP? 

Two parents who agree on the amount of support that should be paid...
The staff at MCBSS can file the order and both parties can avoid legal fees. 

A custodial parent who believes that the non-custodial parent can be paying more...
The State has a formula based on the income of both parents to determine the appropriate amount of child support. If you believe that your order is at least 20% below the State standard, an upward modification can be filed by MCBSS staff. This includes medical insurance coverage, assistance in obtaining insurance or assistance in paying for insurance can also be sought.

A person trying to establish paternity...
MCBSS staff can contact the father, advance the cost for the testing, distribute test results to all parties and the court, and file for a new court date if needed.

A person trying to locate an absent parent...
A parent-locator service can be used to locate an absent parent and verify income. 

A person who is owed 'arrearages"... 
If the non-custodial parent has not been paying on an existing order, MCBSS staff may be able to expedite enforcement.

WHAT IS NOT COVERED?

The County is legally able to get involved to ensure the financial and medical support of a child. Issues such as child custody, visitation, divorce proceedings, property settlement, school tuition etc. are outside of the legal authority of the County. 

NOTICE

The State requires a $6.00 processing fee from non-public assistance clients. This is a one time charge.

HOW CAN I GET SERVICES?

Call 989-4351 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday through Friday, and Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. to make an appointment with a trained professional. You will receive instructions, and be told what documents to bring along. MCBOSS is located at 200 Woolverton Street in Trenton. Staff are available between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday and Wednesday through Friday, and Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Apply Online Here

For additional information visit: http://njchildsupport.org