§ 2A:17-56.12. No discharge or discipline; suit by obligor

The payor may not use an income withholding as a basis for the discharge of any obligor or for any disciplinary action against the obligor. A payor who discharges or disciplines an obligor in violation of this act or who discriminates in hiring because of an income withholding or a potential withholding is a disorderly person. Any obligor claiming to be aggrieved by an unlawful discharge may initiate suit in Superior Court for damages and reinstatement of employment. In any action, the prevailing party may be awarded reasonable attorney's fees; provided however, that no attorney's fees shall be awarded to the respondent unless there is a determination that the action was brought in bad faith. In addition to any other relief or affirmative action provided by law, the payor may be liable for twofold compensatory damages. Compensatory damages shall include the costs of proving the discharge, out-of-pocket expenses, and lost income. If the payor fails to withhold the amount of the order, the payor is liable for amounts up to the accumulated amount the payor should have withheld. Payors shall notify the probation department promptly of the termination of the obligor's employment and provide the obligor's last known address and the name and address of the obligor's new payor, if known. L.1981, c.417, s.6. Amended by L.1985, c.278, s.6, eff. Oct. 1, 1985.