Get free answers to your Child Support legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I'm considering creating a contract similar to a prenuptial agreement, but it would be more of an "exclusivity agreement" between two consenting adults who are not intending to marry. This contract would include a financial penalty for breach and involve specific terms related to any... View More 
In 1992, a court ordered the father of my two children to pay child support, but I have not received any payments for over 30 years, except for a one-time payment of $300 when he was released from jail to avoid losing his driver's license. He's recently inherited money from his parents.... View More
My children's father took me to court a few years ago, granting us joint legal and joint sole custody after holding my children from me for three years. My oldest son, who has experienced abuse, decided to stay with me last summer and no longer wishes to live with his father. Since then, his... View More
I am the custodial parent based in Georgia, and my ex-husband lives in New Jersey. We divorced in Virginia in 2021 but have been separated since 2018. We currently have a verbal custody agreement in which the children stay with me for 11 months of the year and with their father for a little under a... View More
answered on Apr 16, 2025
If there is a court order that says you must notify the other parent of your intention to relocate, then a custody case may be filed, once the non-custodial parent is notified of the move. Your move will impact their travel, visitation, and possibly other factors and they could take you back to... View More
I am currently in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Northern California and have child support arrears. I was ordered to pay $50 monthly, but the arrears interest is $350 a month. My child is now 24 years old, and I owe $70,000 in interest. Should I file to reduce the arrears now, or wait until the... View More
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answered on Apr 14, 2025
Bankruptcy will neither discharge nor reduce child support obligations.
My child's father is court-ordered to pay child support and cover our child for medical expenses. I am responsible for the co-payment and must send the bills to him for reimbursement according to the court-ordered percentage. My child, who is 9, has recently started attending counseling, which... View More
answered on Apr 14, 2025
Send the bills. First, it is your responsibility through shared parental responsibility to keep the other parent informed about medical issues (which includes therapy). The law is that you do not need the other parent's permission to send the child to therapy so he cannot block it. Worst case,... View More
I was divorced in 2017, and my ex got primary custody of the kids. He took me back to court for more child support and to claim both kids on taxes in 2021. During this agreement, we agreed that he would pay for the first $480 of non-covered medical expenses and then we would both pay 50/50 after... View More
answered on Apr 14, 2025
When the Court looks at enforcing the terms of a court order, the Court looks at the actual language of the Court order. While it is the standard for the custodial parent to pay the first $480 (now $250) in unreimbursed health/medical expenses, not all orders have that language. For example, many... View More
I am currently being sued for child support for my three sons. My ex-husband gained custody by hiring an attorney and presenting false information in court, while I couldn't defend myself due to unemployment. I am a single mother and the sole provider for my severely disabled son, who requires... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
In Alabama, child support calculations typically consider both the income of the parents and the needs of the children. Since your disabled son requires 24/7 care, you may have a valid argument for modifying the child support amount for your other children, especially if your income is limited due... View More
I am a divorced father in Maryland and have been paying child support for over 13 years, with shared 50/50 physical custody of my two children. My eldest child is 19 and in college, while my youngest will turn 18 and graduate high school in May 2025. The other parent is aware of my intention to... View More
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
In Maryland, child support typically ends when the child turns 18 or graduates high school, whichever comes later. Since your youngest child will graduate in May 2025, you can file a petition to stop payments before then, but it’s best to file a few months in advance. This allows enough time for... View More
My son recently broke up with his girlfriend, who took their child with her. She has two other children from different fathers who pay her child support, and she seeks full custody and additional support from my son. She hasn't let him see his child for over a month, claiming CPS requires... View More
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
Your first step is to file for custody as soon as possible. Since the mother has not allowed visitation, this will help establish your son’s legal right to see his child. At the custody hearing, he should present evidence of the communication with her, including texts that mention CPS... View More
I am worried about my child's severe medical needs being neglected by the father, despite a court order in our Final Divorce Decree to communicate through the Talking Parent app and share medical decision rights. Out of 300 messages I've sent over two years, the father has opened only 20%... View More
answered on Apr 14, 2025
You can file a motion to modify in suit affecting the parent-child relationship. The fact that the divorce court judge has already found it necessary for you two to communicate through the Talking Parent app indicates the judge is already aware that you two have communication problems. 300... View More
I am not married to the father of my children, and we own a house together with a joint mortgage. He recently quit his job and cashed out his 401k. We all still live in the house, and I pay for my portion of the mortgage. There is currently no legal agreement for child support, but he refuses to... View More
answered on Apr 12, 2025
You should hire a lawyer immediately if any of his 401k is left to have it held for child support AND if you intend to separate from him. Generally, if you are living together it is perceived that you are accepting his quitting his job and you will not get a child support order. He can not avoid... View More
I want to divorce my partner, but I don't have any money saved up. We have two children; one is an adult, and I'm seeking custody of the younger child. We have property and other assets, which are in my partner's name only. I'm currently living in our marital home and would like... View More
answered on Apr 12, 2025
Here is an excellent place to become familiar with the process and some resources. https://www.mncourts.gov/Help-Topics/Divorce.aspx. Some attorneys are willing to work with you as far as payment plans. There is a possibility your partner may be responsible for some or all of your attorney's... View More
I am a single mother seeking a pro bono lawyer to help me in court to revise my child support and custody agreement. My child's father, whom I consider a narcissist, currently pays child support that is too low to meet our needs, and he has custody on weekends while I have none. There have... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
I understand how difficult it must be to navigate custody and support issues while trying to make sure your child's needs are met. In Massachusetts, there are a number of resources that offer free legal assistance for individuals in situations like yours. You may want to start by contacting... View More
I am currently receiving $275 in child support from my ex, despite a court order that requires him to pay $869. He owes over $11,000 in back child support. My ex admitted in court that he can work but chooses not to because he receives 100% VA disability benefits and an additional $300 per month... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
In your situation, it is possible that the judge may require your ex to post a bond, but it will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. Since your ex has openly refused to comply with the court order, especially in light of his ability to work and the fact that he admits to receiving... View More
Can my children's father voluntarily sign over his parental rights? We have discussed this matter, and since his only income is SSI, I understand that I would not receive child support. Are there any specific legal requirements or considerations we should be aware of?
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
In Nevada, a parent can voluntarily give up their parental rights, but the process is not simple. If the father wants to sign over his rights, it must typically be done through a court process, and the court will evaluate whether it is in the best interest of the child. The court often considers... View More
I'm trying to find out how I can stop my child support obligation for my two children, aged 22 and 20, who currently live in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. They are both receiving VA Chapter 35 benefits and attending Interamerican University. My court-ordered payment is $1,800 a month, which I send... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
To stop your child support obligation, you will likely need to return to court to request a modification or termination of the order. Since your children are now adults and receiving VA benefits, you may have grounds to argue that they no longer need support, especially considering they are... View More
I have a mutual restraining order with my ex in Georgia, established due to contempt for nonpayment of child support. We are both invited to attend our granddaughter's first birthday party and our son's wedding. The restraining order states that neither party can harass or molest the... View More
answered on Apr 16, 2025
I think you are confusing a protective order with a mutual restraining order. A mutual restraining order does not say anything about how many yards you can be away from someone. It doesn't prohibit parties from being near each other. I think it would be best to review the language of the... View More
I was never married to the father of my children, and we are no longer together. We have a legal agreement for a shared mortgage, and I cover the kids under my insurance. I primarily take care of our children, and the father just quit his job last week. I'm wondering if I can still pursue... View More
answered on Apr 10, 2025
Yes, you can. You may get a judge to order him to look for a job if he is not already doing so.
I filed for full relief from paying child support 7 years ago due to having no income because of ongoing health issues, culminating in a liver transplant in August 2023. I started receiving SSI in September 2024, and I understand that in Rhode Island, SSI recipients typically are not required to... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
It sounds like you're facing a difficult situation with child support arrears despite your efforts to resolve the issue. In Rhode Island, SSI recipients are typically not required to pay child support, but this can depend on whether the court granted full relief from child support payments at... View More
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