are there any options for paying back child support?

Question

my husband owes a lot of back child support to his ex. he was layed off for a while and she told him he could stop paying and start when he found work again -- but she refused to sign any paperwork stating this. It took 5 years to get suitable employment so he could afford the court-ordered amount. At the time he was first layed off, he couldn't afford a lawyer to go back to court. Now that he's paying support again, the state is added the 5 years with of back support to the bill. And, while his back debt goes down, the interest on it goes up. Our family is living paycheck to paycheck and almost running out of money each month. While his ex is living a very extravagent life thanks to her new husband.

are there any options to paying this back support that won't cause us to go bankrupt?

I never said she didn't deserve the money. I'm just looking for a way to pay her what she is owed without putting my child on welfare.

Yes, I knew he had kids to support when we got together and I knew that was part of the deal.

The reason she said he could stop in the first place was because she and her new husband had enough to support the family until he got a new job.

We're paying the child support. and the extra. he isn't a deadbeat dad. he travels 6 hours every other weekend to see the kids and talks to them three times a week, sometimes more.

I'm looking for an option that will pay the back child support, but maybe defer the back while we pay the current, so we don't go bankrupt.

Answer 1

it doesnt matter how she now lives, or how he now lives, they are both still the parents of child(ren).

besides, going without child support for all of those years, and suffering through it all by herself... she's earned a good life. you would think you would be happy for her.

some think its funny with the 'ha ha, she aint get'n one dime', and it ends up biting them in the ***... because it catches up sooner or later, with interest.

let me guess, he made more babies when he couldnt even afford the ones he already had... thats messed up.

http://www.ncsea.org/
http://www.nfja.org/index.shtml
http://family.findlaw.com/child-support/support-basics/
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cse/newhire/fop/passport.htm
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cse/newhire/fop/fop.htm
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cse/newhire/faq/faq.htm
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/oro/regions/acf_regions.html
http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/cse/extinf.html
http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/cse/

Answer 2

I don't think a man on this earth who is against abortion should be for an opt out law. I suppose some of them really do only care about themselves. I think this kind of thing would make people pay because they have morals. I guess the whole country is going in that swing. I am against abortion (unless its rape or serious medical reasons) and opt out. Making a law like that would be against so many of the women who morally COULDN'T live with the decision of having an abortion. Many fems believe in the right but say they wouldn't have one themselves. Sooner or later men will get this right and that is one of the many reason that I am not a feminist. I don't believe they are looking at the whole picture when it comes to women and men in this issue. Feminist want to push their weight around on this and its going to effect EVERY woman, not just the feminists. Oh oops and NO it would not lower the value of fathers more. It would probably increase it. Many single mothers know the value of a father. Many children do as well. See how many woman will understand after a law like that came into play.

Answer 3

Afraid not. She let him go for that 5 years and you can't blame her now just because she has found a new husband that just happens to have money. Your husband owes the money regardless and he has to pay and even if he filed bankruptcy the court will still make him pay the support. His lucky she didn't have him locked up because she could have so weather you agree with this or not your just going to have to live with it. And you need to stop blaming her for marrying a rich guy.You sound like you feel since she can live extravagant that she should let it go. How do you know how she had to live before she re-married. Be glad she was nice to you both by not having him locked up. Most women would have.

Answer 4

I don't know what state you are in or how long ago the arearage was ordered. But in Georgia they have a set new Child Support Guidelines., If it was over 3-5 years that the order was put into place, just call the A.B.A ( American Bar Association) and ask for a list of attorneys who do pro bono work and call one of them to help you. But no matter what he is obligated to pay but might be able to get a reduction if his income has dropped and if you both have children together after the order went into effect.

Answer 5

I have seen these things, and they are rarely fair. Child support is based on the parents wages not what the spouse makes. It's not the step parents responsiblity to pay. Maybe someday your husband can get custody and then things will be reversed.

Answer 6

single mom of twins here, no i really don't think there is any way other than working and paying it. He can try talking 2 her explaining
the situation maybe she will understand and eliminate or make other payment arrangement so that he's not killing himself 2 provide for previous child and new family. good luck

Answer 7

well I would think that if he went to the judge and showed him his current financial records compared to her current financial records and what you say is true that some kind of payment plan can be worked out, it may take longer to pay off, but at least he is making an effort to do so.

Answer 8

u knew he had the kid when u got with him,he should of kept his weiner in his pants if he didnt want to support the child,get u a job and help,i hope u have to eat bread and water for 18 yrs lol