I am 19 years old and my dad has been out of the picture for a while...I only seen him a few times until after I turned 18 and found him myself...anyways...I was told that I can take him to court and get child support since he only paid a few times before I turned 18. I was told that I could collect child support on myself for before I turned 18. How would I do this? I know I have to go to court and all, but where do I start? Does anyone know of a website that could give me more info or tell me where to go. Also, would they just take the lawyer fee and everything out of what I would get? It was through the state, so there is really no "my/my moms word against his"...they have proof of what he paid (or didnt pay..) Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!
2007-07-14 17:01:15 · 12 answers · asked by ♥Jara-Lee♥ 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I live in Tennessee
I am looking for help here not insults..And I am not "lazy", I have a job, the only reason I am trying to do this is b/c I my dad has never done sh*t for me. He never even bought me one birthday card, he would be in and out of my life, get my hopes up about him staying, then just take off...I have alot of mental problems that are partly caused by him and I think he should have to pay me back and my mom, that way HE can pay for some of the bills that HE caused.
He was ordered to pay child support and never paid it
2007-07-14 17:14:57 · update #1
There could be no excuses made on his part...simple...he didnt pay and he still has to. He was ordered to pay my mom and didnt and now since I am over 18 she cant take him to court anymore...so I would have to.
2007-07-15 05:17:19 · update #2
I would start by going through any paperwork you might have on the original child support order. Go to the city or county from where the order was issued and ask the local agency responsible for children's services for help. They would be in the best position to help since they have the files for your case. If you have little or no income right now and you're living on your own, you can probably qualify for free legal services - there are many that work in family law. Go to http://www.lawhelp.org/ and select your state. From there you can get more information on the local legal services offices that work in each city/county. Good luck!
2007-07-14 17:16:07 · answer #1 · answered by noble_savage 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Your State Dept. of Social Services is your best bet.
Now here are a couple of realities that go along with any attempt to recover back child support.
No.1- if he didn't have it then, you can bet he doesn't have it now. You'll spend a lot of time and energy to gain zilch.
No.2- At the 1st sign of trouble your "Dad" will disappear. These guys don't want to deal with authority or you if your going to be a problem.
So, it's time to really think it through. Wasted headaches or the chance to get to know him a little.
Good luck whatever you choose.
2007-07-22 16:02:28 · answer #2 · answered by R M 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Simple answer: You can't !! Sorry.
Your Mother would have to file the paperwork, not you !! And frankly, it's a little too late.
She is the person who was responsible and paid for you---your food, shelter, clothing, etc. while you were a minor.
The Child Support that should have been paid all of these years by your Father was tor your Mom to pay for all of these expenditures.
If your Mom filed Child Support papers in a Court of Law, then perhaps she can persue this--not you !!
So, you need to move along with your life and forget about the $$$$$$$$$$$$
It's History !!!
2007-07-22 01:04:22 · answer #3 · answered by krissyderic 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
You are probably not the one who can collect the child support. Whoever the court order stated was to receive the support is who would need to do this and would receive it.
Call your state's Child Support Division. They can't give you legal advice, but they can tell you who needs to go about collecting the child support and how. As long as the proper paperwork is done, this debt NEVER goes away until it is paid. There is not statute of limitations on child support.
2007-07-15 01:12:27 · answer #4 · answered by starrrrgazer 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You cant het child support now, it is too late. There will just be arguements over what should be paid and how things should be handled, and it will end up being a legal battle that cost a lot in court bills and gives no results. My parents are divorced so I know how this all works. Your dad can just make up a lame story and get freed of all charges. Anyone who tells you it is possible hasnt been through it and dealt with the stress. Even a high priced lawyer cant guarentee you will see any money.
2007-07-15 01:26:05 · answer #5 · answered by ihatetheyanks04 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
What you going through is simple Juvenile Court in your area will fill you in on any nessacery info you need. But i do know he would have to pay that back pay i'm not sure who it go to cause if your mom got afdc it goes to them if you are in school you have a better chance to get it.
2007-07-21 15:32:52 · answer #6 · answered by tanyjah 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why would you want to go back on your dad about this? Was he legally obligated to pay child support and didn't? (The answer may seem obvious at first glance, but it is not.)
You have some deep questions that need to be sorted out by someone versed in the laws of your state. Check with Legal Aid or find an attorney who will give you a free consultation.
2007-07-15 00:10:09 · answer #7 · answered by Mister J 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋
The court or ordered it to be paid on your behalf....to your mother, not you....FOR you. She can file a claim against him, but you cannot.
A lot of ppl have dead beat parents, join the club, get over it and get on with your life. Just be glad he isnt in your life anymore.
2007-07-22 01:50:23 · answer #8 · answered by kajun 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Excellent question. Sorry I don't have any answers for you, but below you'll find a site with some listings that might help you figure out where to start or who to call. Good luck.
2007-07-15 00:18:09 · answer #9 · answered by Tom K 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You don't tell what state you live in, however, contact the Department of Human Services in your state for more information on child support. They handle these cases.
2007-07-15 00:11:10 · answer #10 · answered by CJ 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋