Does anyone have any solid advise of child support payment arrears?

Question

I am now working steadily, but over the past years I was not able to meet the payments, therefore, I am in arrears. I do not want nor can I afford an attorney, but would like to hear from others whom have encountered this problem and how to come up with a win-win solution.

Answer 1

All you have to do is contact the child support burea and ask for a change. They will calculate and change it for you. It changed for me several times over 18 years.

Answer 2

Call your child support agency and ask to voluntarily pay and additional amount each month until those arrears are paid off. Also speak with your ex--most states charge interest on arrears which add up quickly. She may be willing to forgo the interest with the additional $ coming in. OR you may want to take out a loan to pay off the arrears. If the amount is substantial, perhaps your ex will settle for a lump sum payment (reduced amount). Good luck!! And Kudos to you for doing the right thing!

Answer 3

Sarting Over has a good meathod!!!! But you don't need an attorny, paralegals are just as good and cheaper. Most importantly, hows your relation with your ex, does she understand tha you are trying your best, learn to cut back on your expenses, and yes you can, you dont need internet, cable/satelite, extra phone features, put on a sweater to lower your heat and save... many ways to come up with a few extra bucks to give her to help. do this, and their is nothing she can do, you might be behind, but if your showing a steady due dilagence, the courts (if it comes to that) that your not a dead beat (or not anymore if you were, not to insult you). Make 2 cheques, one for the month, and another for the arrears every month. And $50 a month for arrears is not enough. Most will expect a minimum of $200, then you okay.

Answer 4

Start paying extra every month to start getting caught up. That should show good faith and avoid problems.

Write on each check what the money is for $xxx child support and $xx for arrears child support.

If you know how far behind you are - write on the check XXX - arrears support still owed. This way you and your ex have a running log. Also, it show agreement on the amount.

Answer 5

I have come across a lot of people that are in your situation because i am a mortgage lender and certified credit consultant. The best advice i can give is to contact the child support agency and try to make a payment arraigment with them. You can also petition the court with out an attorney to see if you can get your payment lowered due to your financial situation.

Good luck!

Answer 6

If you paid in cash, does the daycare facility have a record of the payments? I would say you seriously need an attorney to help you with this. If the daycare remembers YOU paying (altho, not sure if you gave your ex the cash and she paid), I'm thinking affadavits! Man, I wish I got that much from my ex! It's not about you not wanting to pay, it's about fair treatment (and yes, I'm an ex wife!). I would definitely look into firms or organizations that look out for the rights of fathers.... probably less $$ than an attorney, too! Good luck!

Answer 7

I've helped my ex-husband do this. You need to develop a budget and set a realistic amount of how much more you can contribute to the arrearage. When you go to court, explain your situation, and your plan. When my ex went to court, the judge agreed with the plan. Also, you should consider having your payment automatically deducted from your paycheck which can be set up through the court and your employer.

Answer 8

contact your local Legal Aid Office. every state has them and are in most counties. they go on a sliding scale, so its free to most. look in the phone book, call your county court clerks office or call your states Bar Assoc for the number.

as for the arrears, they will tack on a little extra each week which will go toward the arrears. tax refunds (state and federal) will also be intercepted and go toward the arrears... that will help knock it down.

http://www.divorcelawinfo.com/
http://www.divorcelawinfo.com/calculators.htm
http://www.helpyourselfdivorce.com/child-support-calculators.html
http://www.divorcehq.com/deadbeat.html
http://www.lawchek.com/Library1/_books/domestic/qanda/childsupp.htm

Answer 9

Why don't you call your ex-wife and see what you two can work out together that will be agreeable. If she sees that you are sincere, then maybe she won't file charges against you.