how do i file for child support when both parents live in different states?

Question

i live in mary land, he lives in pa

Answer 1

There is not really a quick answer to this question since we have only a few facts.

Has a court somewhere recognized that the child(ren) is yours and his? In other words, did you get a divorce in which the child(ren) were named? Or has the father ever been ordered to pay support on the children?

It matters because you may have to establish paternity in order to have support ordered. And if the issue has already been heard by a court (and you or he still live in the same jurisdiction) then it might be easiest to go back to the same court that's already heard the matter.

Either way, you can probably file in Maryland since (it appears) the children reside in that state. Courts are usually authorized by statute to act in the best interests of any child within their jurisdiction. The father must receive notice. And he may challenge the jurisdiction (the court's right to hear the issue) or the venue (that you should be bringing the suit in Pennsylvania instead of Maryland). But he has to do something.

You can also go to Pennsylvania to file since that's where he lives.

Either way, you'll probably get an order for support if the court finds that the child(ren) is yours and his AND that considering the needs of the child(ren) and your income and the father's income that the father should pay support.

If you get the order in Pennsylvania, then the court should compel income withholding from the father's pay to be sent via a state disbursement agency directly to you. If you get the order in Maryland, you might then need to also file under the Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement Of Support Act (URISA) to get Pennsylvania to honor the order and compel income withholding.

The Maryland Department of Human Services has a Child Support Enforcement Program. Check them out on the web for a directory of local offices that can provide assistance or call 1-800-332-6347.

This is not legal advice. You should consult a licensed attorney-at-law for legal advice and representation before making decisions that may affect your legal rights.

Answer 2

You don't say whether you are or were married; divorced or whether there is an existing support order in either state. If none of the above, every state has a non-support office, usually your local District Attorney's office. Call them about getting a support order. Be aware it will take a while & will result in a lot of inconvenient form filling & appearances -- but its free.

Answer 3

If you were or are married, the state you live in is the state you need to file in. If you aren't, then file in the state you and the kid live. They can get his money no matter where he is, and he may be able to appear telephonically for the hearings.

Answer 4

File in the state where you and the child live; the enforcement bureau will worry about collecting out of state

Answer 5

Just file for support, they will look for him and find him. Try to give the most accurate info on his whereabouts. It will take a little longer, but they will find him and make him pay. Courts don't take support lightly. Good luck!

Answer 6

File in the county in which you live in. Doesn't matter where he lives. I am in Ohio - left my ex in Florida. Got my order here. But you go to your COUNTY to file, not your state.

Answer 7

it does not matter what state he lives in contact that states family court and they will get and send you the money.

Answer 8

it may take years to bypass by regrettably. they could no longer be attempting very perplexing to enforce, he may be switching jobs or working under the table, there may be somewhat some motives for it.