Q: My ex husband had stopped paying child support and giving the rent money for 3 weeks now due to covid-19. What can i do?

A: Your setting is terrible and im truly sorry for how this pandemic has destroyed your family's financial setting. Before resorting to the court system for relief, can you reach out to your former husband and ask him to sit down with you ( on the phone or otherwise) to figure out how to work together to get through this crisis. Im sure that you can reach out to your landlord and get him to agree to forego the payment of the rent ( since there are many programs in place to deal with that issue on a temporary basis) and maybe your former husband will agree to turn over his 1200 stimulus check upon receipt. With that check, your 1200 check and the 2000 payment for the 4 children should give you a temporary infusion of 4,400 to help you stay afloat until you / your former husband are back at work. Maybe also, your former husband will agree to pay for specific expenses for the children through his credit card so that again he is paying for expenses. If he refuses to respond, then you will need to file an application with the court for interim relief.

A: Thank you for your questions. I'm sure this is a very frustrating and scary time for you. There may be several options available to you. You could file a motion to enforce and you would receive a portion of any unemployment your husband receives. While he owns his own business and would normally not be eligible for unemployment, there have been special provisions made during the COVID 19 crisis.

Another option is to apply for public assistance and let the board of social services proactively seek reimbursement fro your husband. An attorney could also attempt to intervene on your behalf and get some relief from your husband without the immediate need for court intervention;. Many firsm, including mine, offer free consultations,. You should speak with an experienced family law attorney to get more information on how you might proceed.