Q: I’m a father living in Washington State and I pay child support in NY. I need a lawyer should I look for one here or NY?
A:
Short answer: It depends.
You wrote that you needed a lawyer, but didn't give the reason. It depends on what you are trying to accomplish. If you're looking to modify the amount of support or other order, and if the children have been living in New York for at least the last six months, you will need an attorney licensed to practice in New York to handle the case there, because New York has jurisdiction over the children. There may be exceptions: If the children have been living in Washington State for at least the past six months, you may transfer the case here. Another reason a case may be filed in Washington may be in the case of an emergency, such as domestic violence or if the child is otherwise in danger. There are other factors to consider whether you must use a New York attorney for your case in New York, or if you can use a Washington attorney to bring your case here.
As you can see, the answer depends on your specific situation. I recommend that you consult with a family law attorney to discuss the details of your particular issues, since every situation is different.
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