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Rule 5:6-2.Matters Brought by Assistance Agencies

Last amended September 1, 1992 · Current through September 1, 2026 · Last verified September 8, 2026

In one sentenceRule 5:6-2 requires support ordered in a proceeding brought by an assistance agency to comply with the child support guidelines, and tells the court what to do when the financial information is missing.

Full Text of Rule 5:6-2

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In a proceeding for support brought by an assistance agency, any support that may be directed to be paid shall comply with R. 5:6A. If sufficient financial information is not available for either party, the court shall, insofar as practicable, make the support award in consideration of the amount of assistance received by the obligee.
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Amendment History

New Jersey publishes each rule’s amendment record in a “Note” beneath the rule. It is reproduced verbatim below; a “Source” line names the former rule the current one grew out of, and “R. (1969)” citations refer to the earlier numbering it replaced.

Note: Source--R. (1969) 5:5-3(b). Adopted December 20, 1983, to be effective December 31, 1983; amended July 14, 1992 to be effective September 1, 1992.

Plain-English Summary

When an assistance agency brings the action, the support it produces is not a different kind of support. It must comply with the guidelines rule like any other award.

The second sentence handles the practical problem these cases present. Agency matters often arrive with little or no financial information about either party. Where that is so, the court is directed, so far as practicable, to make the award in consideration of the amount of assistance the obligee is receiving — a floor drawn from what the public is already paying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the child support guidelines apply when the State brings the case?

Yes. Any support directed to be paid in a proceeding brought by an assistance agency must comply with Rule 5:6A.

What happens if neither party's income is known?

The court, so far as practicable, makes the support award in consideration of the amount of assistance the obligee receives.

Source & verification. The rule text and amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the official New Jersey Rules of Court, Part V (N.J. Ct. R. 5:6-2). Prescribed by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified September 8, 2026. · Official source
Also known as: assistance agency supportwelfare agency support casestate brought support action