How can I get help to pay off child support?

Question

My fiancee just got hit with 17,000 in back child support for a child he wasn't aware of until just recently when the papers were filed. It's his kid, and we are going to file for visitation, but does anyone know how we can get help paying this down. We are a minimum wage family and we have 5 other kids between us. We just don't have that kind of money. Any help please. Thank You

Answer 1

I think he should go down to his local family court and seek some legal advice..Let him explain his situation there and they will be able to assist him..I'm sure he might not have to pay that much back when there was never any arrears and he was never brought into court before this....Take it easy and don't stress yourself out...I know how drainful this can be but, together you will get through...

Answer 2

DO NOT take out a loan with your name on the paperwork.

This is separate debt. If you sign loan papers and the money is used to pay off the debt, you then have converted the debt to marital property. And if / when you divorce, you will be equally liable to repay the loan.

Otherwise, this is his issue. Let him get a second job.

EDITED FOR CLARITY:
Those who said the arrears can't be that much don't know the CS System very well. It is obvious from your post that the mother is either on state aid, or the amount is retroactive support which is allowed in most states, some as far back as the birth of the child, or both.

The rest of my advice stands.

Answer 3

Obviously they arent going to make you pay it all at once. He will be making regular payments , for the current support. For the back support , infortunately they will take taxes until the OLD balance is paid off. There is NO WAY to get OUT of paying child support. What about all the years that the DAD wasnt there to help out... is that fair to the child or the child's mother. Be nice , because one day you might be the EX, and you will need to know that he is going to pay in the event that happens between you. Hey thats what happens sometimes.. its not the kids fault.

Answer 4

This child must be older if it is that much in back support. This other woman has had to raise the child all of this time by herself and I am sure it cost more then that to do it. However, it is really sad that he missed out on all that time with the child.
When they served him, did they review his financial situation? Some states review this, some don't care. Talk to an attorney about it and show them the financial situation that you are all in. If you don't do something soon, they can and will garnish wages

Answer 5

You can talk to the people at the child support bureau about making a payment plan. I was behind about $700 because i was ill and couldn't work... i only have to pay $10 a month toward the arrears.

They will work with you if you ask them

I'd also consider getting an attorney to fight this $17,000 bull crap... if he didn't know he had a child, why should he have to pay for the time when he wasn't included in his life? it sounds like the mother is looking for a quick buck.

take care.

Answer 6

I would file for visitation if I were him as the courts wiil decide how much he has to pay and it is usaully 17% of his income.Plus they will take his tax return each year,unless you file an injured spouse return for half.He might as well be a good influence or even fight for custody himself.His ex knew she was pregnant their's no way she didn't,If their is a question in his mind that this is not his kid get Dna tests.Hate to say this otherwise he is screwed and you better hope he doesn,t do jail time.Our nephew spent 10 days in jail for 200.00 back support,that was iin Wisconsin,other states are worse.Good luck.

Answer 7

Usually child support doesn't start until paternity is established how could he owe this or the court set a amount with out all of his financial records or even his knowledge unless he ignored attempts to contact him and he lost by default if so than he knew.. It sounds more like your fiancee is a dead beat dad if not hire a lawyer because if he was totally unaware he can beat this.. Also ask for paternity testing..

Answer 8

There really isn't any place that will help.

Though it might be in your best interest to find a lawyer. I know, they can be pricey, but if you search hard enough you may be able to find one on payments. Maybe you can see if something can be done to lower this since he was never made aware he had a child.

But as for help, there just isn't any. You will just have to work hard to make sure all payments are made on time and kept up. They will also probably take some extra for arrears as well which will help, but it will still take time to get it paid down.

Answer 9

Unfortunately you will need to hire an attorney because I doubt that his true income was used to calculate and if he didn't know he was the father of this child - maybe he can counter sue for alienation of affection or something along those lines. You will have to have an experienced attorney who will provide you with more than just the minimum assistance. It will also help if you read case law and custody and support law in your state.

Answer 10

The best you can do is set up a payment plan. The courts have no sympathy for people who owe child support no matter what the circumstances. They'll likely start to garnish his wages so be prepared.