Q: Can my paycheck be used to pay husband's child support in Alabama?
I am considering setting up an arrangement to have my paycheck deducted to make my husband's child support payments directly to his ex-wife's account in Alabama, as he recently got laid off. The payments would be from my individual account since we do not have a joint account. I am willing to create a new account specifically for this purpose. There are no restrictions from my employer on using my paycheck for such external payments, and there are no court orders specifying the method of support payment. However, I have faced difficulties obtaining clear guidance from the child support agency in Alabama. What are the legal feasibility and procedural steps involved in setting up this payment arrangement to ensure timely child support payments?
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A:
In Alabama, child support payments typically must be made according to the terms set by the court or the state’s child support enforcement agency. If there is no court order specifying how payments should be made, you can set up a voluntary arrangement to pay your husband’s child support, but it’s important to make sure the payments are properly documented and credited. Since your paycheck is not directly tied to the child support system, you’ll need to ensure that the payments are made correctly and on time.
Setting up a separate account for this purpose is a good idea, but you should contact the child support agency to confirm whether they can track or accept payments made in this way. They might be able to help you set up an arrangement that allows you to make these payments directly to your husband’s ex-wife’s account, ensuring that everything is legal and properly recorded.
If you’re unable to get clear guidance from the agency, you could consider seeking assistance from a lawyer who handles family law matters. This will help ensure that you’re following the correct process and that the payments count toward your husband’s child support obligation.
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