Do I need a lawyer?

Question

please help. i have a 10-year-old daughter and for a few years there, i didn't get to see her because her mother wouldn't let me. i didn't know how simple obtaining visitation rights were until last year when i went to court and got joint custody. during the time i didn't see her, i didn't pay child support, which i know is WRONG, so i accumulated $6,000 in arrearages. i contacted the state last june before going for visitation rights to work out a payment arrangement. ever since i got joint custody, my ex has been on a mission to destroy me and has even told me so. she has charged me with 'flagrant non support' even though i am paying child support through my check and i have a payment arrangement with the state. should i get a lawyer? can i still go to jail? i understand that if she would have done this BEFORE i contacted the state, i would be facing jail time. please help. if i'm in jail, how can i pay?

Answer 1

If youre current on both payments then you have nothing to worry about. All she is doing is trying to scare you into staying away. You can take her back to court for violation of the court decree authorizing visitation rights for not honoring it. This is why it is most important to keep current on both payments. You can also sue her for harassment if she keeps threatening you, because its illegal and since youve made prior arrangements then youre covered and will not go to jail. Like I said if your payments are current and have any written letter or legalpapers stating your situation with the payments, then call her bluff. Good luck

Answer 2

Since you didn't refer to your daughter's mother as your ex-wife, I'll Yes, you should contact a lawyer because you and your ex- entered into a joint custody agreement through the courts, and you were mandated to pay child support. As long as you pay your child support and follow through on the other stiuplations in the custody agreement, you are OK.

Your ex- cannot charge you with non-support if you can prove that you have been paying. You should be sending your checks to the stae under this agreement, and not directly to her because she could refrain from cashing them and claim that you are not paying.

You risk going to jail for non-payment only if you really do not pay support because that would be a breach of the agreement and you would be held in contempt of court. PLUS, your state may have additional laws pertaining to "Dead-Beat Dads" (which is what you would be if you don't fork over the child support).

So, yes, get a lawyer to at least review the terms of your joint custody agreement. He or she may find that it needs to be changed,

Answer 3

Yes, you need a lawyer. Child support laws vary from state to state. However, the fact that you are paying NOW - and have been doing so since before being charged - will earn you points with the judge.

Answer 4

Yes you need a lawyer. This child's mother is trying to keep you out of the picture while taking your money which is NOT fair. (and I'm a woman!). She is under the "misguided" notion that child support is payment for visitation when they are not even connected. You ARE entitled to see your child whether SHE likes it or not, your lawyer can help you get to that point and maybe have the court jump on her for her behavior.

Answer 5

you need a lawyer. Also if you are paying thru child support unit, talk to the case worker. good luck

Answer 6

well u can try to contact child care board but first u need to get a lawyer

Answer 7

Go to a lawyer and get some legal advice and go from there

Answer 8

You need a lawyer.

Answer 9

http://www.fathersrightsinc.com/

Go there for starters. Next time, use a fri*kin' condom for Christ's sake.

Answer 10

I'll represent you!