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Child Support Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Child Support and Family Law for Illinois on
Q: My lawyer did not show up in court a month ago like she said she would and I have been emailing and calling & no reply?

Court has been a 3 yr episode with my ex wanting private school fees along with my request to modify support due to being permanently laid off from my job. Does she have to send me something if she’s dropping me as a client?

Cheryl Powell
Cheryl Powell
answered on Mar 13, 2024

Normally, if a lawyer is dropping a client, usually for non payment of fees, a lawyer files a Motion to Withdraw, sends you a certified notice of the court date and you can show up to object or agree to her withdrawing. I suggest you get your papers together and go see another lawyer. If... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Texas on
Q: How do I submit an enforcement for child support on my own?
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Mar 13, 2024

You can contact the Office of the Attorney General through the following link: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/child-support

If, for any reason, you do not want to use the OAG, you need to hire an attorney in or near the county where you live to enforce the child support order. This...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Escalating child support delinquency to a felony in the State of Florida?

Who enforces - local law enforcement or the Judge during a court case?

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Mar 11, 2024

Failure to pay child support is not a felony in Florida. It is generally not a crime at all. It is a matter in circuit civil court. Under certain circumstances you can be jailed for not paying but you must have the money available to pay prior to being jailed. Speak with a local family lawyer for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: If I’m paying child support, but both recipients are over the age of 18 can I go to jail for not paying back child suppo
Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Mar 8, 2024

If you have a child support obligation then it can be enforced until it is paid, regardless of the age of the children. Regarding jail, there would have to be a motion for contempt and a finding that you have the ability to pay. You can only be jailed if you have "the keys to the cell."... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: I am paying over $400.00month child support,yet I’m still only allowed 2hrs a week supervised,is there any recourse?

To sum things up my wife made false domestic violence allegations against me with no evidence of abuse, the courts were sympathetic to her and now I haven’t seen my daughter in 3 years, I don’t have a lot of money, Iv had to start over from scratch, I just want to see my daughter.

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Mar 5, 2024

You need to return to court to ask for more time with your child. The child support and the timesharing are not directly related. File a motion explaining your reasons for wanting more time. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for New Jersey on
Q: Can I move out of the house with my kids before a divorce or agreement? Or would it be abandonment I live in NJ

Married 8 yrs living together 16. 2 kids 9 & 11 yrs old. The house is only under my husbands name but was bought right after my youngest son was born but before we got married, he doesn’t work(hasn’t for a few yrs) I pay the mortgage (I give him the money cash) and also pay bills thru my... View More

Allison Kruk Ormond
Allison Kruk Ormond
answered on Mar 12, 2024

Abandonment or desertion is a fault-based ground for divorce in New Jersey. It is defined by statute (N.J.S.A. 2A:34-2) as "willful and continued desertion" for a term of 12 months or longer. One way to establish abandonment as a fault-based ground for divorce is by providing proof that... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: My ex stopped paying alimony & didn't modify anything with court 1 yr 3m ago under his own will.

Because of a trial live in boyfriend of four months. That relationship ended after four months which was a year ago now. That ex only zelled money for rent inconsistently. Nothing else. My ex said he doesn't have to pay alimony any more because I was in a supportive relationship. I... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Mar 4, 2024

You need to return to court on a motion for enforcement and contempt. Your brief supportive relationship by itself did not automatically alter the alimony obligation. You are still owed alimony and child support if that is what the current court order says. Unless and until there is a different... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: How to get child support before filing divorce

Husband and I have one child together, married 14 years. Separated due to husband bad bipolar behavior. He took me off of health and dental insurance, without me knowing.

I need child support while Separated. What do I need to do?

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Mar 4, 2024

You can file a Petition for Support Unconnected with Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Child(ren). There is a free form available online12.904(a)(1) This addresses your specific situation where you are separated but not divorcing (at this time). Speak with a local family lawyer for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for New York on
Q: What is required regarding college acceptance for my daughter with her father - do I need approval or is notification OK

Divorce agreement states each party shall be informed of any major decisions to be made concerning education of the children and consent of both parties shall be obtained prior to making any decisions. Agreement ALSO states it is the parties' intention that the children attend college until... View More

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
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answered on Mar 4, 2024

We are unable to accurately guide and advise an asker as to what the meaning of a snippet of a stip (the stipulation of settlement of the parties ending the divorce action) really says. We would be embarking on a risky ride down troubling lane.

Nonetheless, assuming arguendo that the asker...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: I was recently awarded spousal support but have arrears for child support I owe the father.

Child support modification is in place since I have physical custody now and have had it since over a year. My question is can the spousal support money be garnished to cover my arrears I have or is that separate.

I do plan on paying my arrears but I’m afraid they would take the full... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 3, 2024

In California, the law prioritizes child support obligations over spousal support. This means that if you have arrears on child support, it is possible for your spousal support payments to be garnished to cover these arrears. The state's child support enforcement agency has the authority to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Divorce and Child Support for California on
Q: In search of a family law attorney that works with low income or even probono

My divorce is going on almost 4 years. I originally had a lawyer who my dad paid for but with all the fees he wasn’t able to continue paying. I’m currently self represented but have been unable to enforce child support and spousal support on my own, hopefully I can finish getting divorce. So... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 3, 2024

Finding affordable legal assistance can be challenging, especially when dealing with complex family law issues like divorce, child support, and spousal support. In California, there are several resources available to individuals with low income who require legal assistance. Legal aid organizations,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support, Social Security and Family Law for Kentucky on
Q: Can child support take my back pay from ssi

I'm owed back pay for disability can child support take it

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 2, 2024

Okay - let's analyze whether child support can take back pay from SSI (Supplemental Security Income) disability benefits. Typically a few key factors come into play here:

- SSI back pay is generally protected from creditors and debt collection to some extent. So child support may be...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for California on
Q: Stepdaughters father sent me a written statement stating he would pay his daughters student loans. He is not. Can I Sue?

Stepdaughter is not and has not paid her student loans I co-signed. Her father sent me a statement saying he would pay her loans which I have. He has not paid anything. I haven’t spoken to stepdaughter in 10 years. No idea where she is and her father won’t tell me.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 1, 2024

Under California law, the written statement from your stepdaughter's father, where he commits to paying the student loans, could potentially serve as a binding agreement, depending on its specific wording and the context in which it was made. If it clearly outlines his intention to take over... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law, Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Illinois on
Q: My ex is threatening with charging me income tax for claiming my son. Can he do this?

I have been separated from my son’s father for over a year. Never married. No court order for parenting time or child support. He always claimed our son on income tax returns. This year I claimed our son. My son’s father had his W4 setup to claim 1 and is telling me he’s going to charge me... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 28, 2024

In situations involving tax claims on dependents, the right to claim a child on a tax return typically depends on IRS rules concerning custodial and non-custodial parents. If you have provided the majority of the support for your son and he has lived with you for more than half of the year, you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for Michigan on
Q: Do I have a chance to still get shared custody 8 months ago my wife abandoned our home with the kids and got a ppo?

Am I screwed?

On June 11 last year while I was at church my wife abandoned our marital home and took the kids with her, the very next day she filed a ppo with a petition full of lies and false allegations about me physically and verbally abusing her (with no evidence of course) we had a... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Feb 28, 2024

You sound like you are aware this will be an uphill battle. Are you screwed? No! Of big concern is why you haven't seen the kids in 8 months; is that because you never raised this issue with the court or your soon-to-be ex is just not complying with the order? I think with that amount of time... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Can a Pro Per Petitioner Prepare and File a FOAH After a Custody Modification Hearing?

I am representing myself (in pro per) in a child custody case. My ex-wife has a free attorney from legal aid. I requested RFO Mod custody and we recently had a custody modification hearing where the judge's rulings were more favorable than my requests.

During previous three hearings... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 27, 2024

Under California law, particularly referencing Rule 5.125, you as a pro per litigant (representing yourself) have the right to prepare and file a Findings and Order After Hearing (FOAH) following a custody modification hearing. This rule applies to all parties involved in a case, regardless of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Immigration Law and Child Support for Colorado on
Q: Can I still get my children's dad which is still my husband for alimony and for child support

After 8 years they were taken out of my custody and given to my stepmom but during the time I did get tanf for them they were in my custody and I still have not divorced but he has had another family and another child and still married to me

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 26, 2024

In your situation, seeking alimony and child support remains a possibility, despite the complexities of your circumstances. The fact that you are still legally married to the children's father and that he has started another family while still married to you does not nullify your rights to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Adoption, Child Custody and Child Support for Ohio on
Q: In the state of Ohio can your friends parents kick your friend out when 18 and still in high school(current junior)?
Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Feb 26, 2024

Tricky question. Technically a parent has an obligation to parent a child until they emancipate. That usually happens when the child is both 18 AND a high school graduate. This may be further complicated if a parent is receiving child support on behalf of that child. This question does not... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Can back child support be stopped if my ex goes to fed prison?

I have paid back support for years to my ex for my youngest son. He is now going to be in a federal prison for life. My oldest son and I are moving my youngest son from Ocala to Jacksonville with my granddaughter. We have bought food for the household because there was no income coming in the... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Feb 26, 2024

This answer is based on Florida law.

First, a stoppage is not automatic. You can file a motion with the court that issued the child support order explaining why the arrearage is no longer necessary. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Arizona on
Q: I live in Maricopa county and I have a warrant out of Michigan for child support. What can I do to stop the extradition

If Michigan wants to extradite me and I did not sign the waiver for extradition what can I do to prevent it from going back to jail at and the governor signed the fugitive and warrant and I have a status conference? What should I do at this conference so I don't end up in jail?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 25, 2024

If you have an outstanding warrant in Michigan and they are seeking to extradite you to face charges there, your options are limited. However, here is some advice:

1. Hire an attorney. You need legal counsel both in Arizona and Michigan to try to challenge the extradition and/or resolve the...
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