I became a stepfather two years ago. Since then I have become the sole provider for two children from my wifes first marriage. We have moved from Florida to Illinois and since our move her exhusband has not sent any child support. My wife does not want to battle with him because she is afraid that he will take her back to court to sue for custody and neither of us have the time, money or patience for a court battle. I feel that it is his responsibility to support his children. He still calls and expects to see them in the summer and school vacations and wants us to foot the bill to get them to him. I need some help. Thanks in advance.
2006-10-23 04:24:50 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Other - Family & Relationships
You can file a contempt of court and get an income deduction order, so it will come out of his checks. The state should be keeping up with how much he is behind so they can intercept any 401K distributions, Tax Refunds, etc.
Please dont get it twisted, it is his children too. We thank you for what you are doing but marrying his mom made him your responsiblility too. So it is CHILD support not VISITATION support. No you should NOT have to foot the bill for them to see him. GOod luck, Bro, Been there, done that!
Try to understand her fear of losing her kids, but by him not paying, he is looking like a dead beat. Do you want to adopt the kids?
2006-10-23 04:28:56 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
An ex-wife can petition the court to have the non-custodial parent brought up on contempt of court charges, which in turn- depending on the State- can include taking away a Drivers License. In Texas- for example, there's a certain amount of arrearages that one must have before a DL will be pulled. Most judges that believe a non-custodial parent is making a good faith effort to pay will usually not remove the license, rendering the NCP to depending on rides from others to find work, etc. I'd encourage anyone with a child support order to pay SOMETHING- ANYTHING- towards their support- it's better to pay something than nothing- and increases your chances of not having a judge declare you in contempt. You should also be able to find the website for the Child Support Office in your State, which lists this information as well (it does in Texas, for example).
2016-05-22 01:14:53 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have no legal standing, its up to her. Your wife shouldn't be afraid, a man who hasn't sent child support for years isn't going to be a shining example to the court of a concerned father. Doesn't her court ordered child arrangements make clear who is to pay for transportation to and from visitations? If its the non custodial parent, then ask him to make the arrangements and send you the tickets. Please let him speak to the kids so they don't feel like the monkey in the middle. It is his responsibility to pay the child support and it can be taken out of his check or tax refund, they have gotten pretty strict about this and you can certainly look into in for your wife. You can do that without going to court. If you won't do anything about that then look at the time the kids spend with their father as a chance for you and your wife to spend some quality time together as a couple. I've heard many fathers say that if they can't see the children they won't pay support, but it doesn't work like that.
2006-10-23 04:34:50 · answer #3 · answered by justa 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you don't want the hassle of the court, next time he calls explain to him that if he wants to see his children, he'll have to pay at least half of the bill for them to get there and back.
It's only fair. And, if he tries to take you two to court for that, your wife can then explain that he hasn't been paying child support and expects her and yourself to pick up the tab.
Just because she's now married doesn't mean he shouldn't be paying the support for his children. You're a loving stepfather, I'm sure... but he's their father and he needs to pay his share to support them for the things they may need.
2006-10-23 04:39:13 · answer #4 · answered by ♪Msz. Nena♫ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunatley, your wife has to be the one to initiate the petiton for that she is the mother of her ex's children. You are her husband & you are to be commended for your actions of emotional & financial support. I have one 18 yr old & is going to college in Jan.'07 & I am expecting some kind of financial support from my ex but I'm not holding my breath on it. I do however receiving child support from him now. You both can start by calling the Child Support hotline no# & speak with either a customer service rep or a counselor that is knowlegable of state to state regulations of getting the financial support your wife's children greatly deserve. If you ask me, your wife's ex has alot of nerve to want money from you to pay for the travelling expense for the kids to see him & there is no reason why he would sue for custody unless she was an unfit parent for which is a rarity in most cases...............Her ex might be a "trifling" idiot because of the fact you all wanted to make a new life by relocating to another state & he wants to retaliate by doing what he is doing............She also will have to look into her divorce decree for what was stipulated in regards to child support issues as well & tell her to examine it thoroughy. If there was anything in her divorce decree regarding child support & visitation issues, her answer is right there!! Best of luck to you all!!
Peace*********************
2006-10-23 04:50:07 · answer #5 · answered by LuvlyOne 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your wife's fear is giving her ex-husband control of your home. I suggest she find a family attorney that would do a free consultation and possibly give you some leads on some possible reasonable assistance. But your wife really needs to file for child support.
2006-10-23 04:50:03 · answer #6 · answered by ricepat2000 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She needs to go back to court for child support. This is not fair to you. your wife has to talk to him. and it is not going to look good for him, not being current on his child support. If he wants them to come to him, then he has to pay for them. You do not have to pay for that, and don't. What is wrong with saying you can't afford it. and since you are paying for the children, you need to claim them on your taxes!
2006-10-23 04:32:31 · answer #7 · answered by roseannetb@verizon.net 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you may follow up on support.
However remember the kittens come with the cat.
you knew all of this before you got married.why are you cryin now.
2006-10-23 04:29:32 · answer #8 · answered by MISSY 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only she can petition for child support.
2006-10-23 04:28:31 · answer #9 · answered by thisisraya 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well youre gonna have to battle with him. tell him you will petition the court for arrears of support, get him garnished etc etc...and he pays or you do it.
2006-10-23 04:28:46 · answer #10 · answered by David B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋