Child Support/Emancipation...?

Question

I have 2 questions.

1- How do you go about reporting somebody that you think needs to be paying child support? Who do you call?

2- I will be 18 in 11 months, but I am already somewhat living on my own through a transitional living program. I am not happy with the program, and feel that it is only holding me back. Not only that...it's expensive and the money for it is coming out of my college account. I have a car and a job...people willing to sign papers for me...etc. and I want to get emancipated. Where do I start?

Answer 1

1. Only the intended recipient and the state can go after someone for failing to pay child support. Unless you have a child their is nothing for you to do.

2. In order to be emancipated you will need to prove:
1. You are mature enough to manage your own affairs. This is demonstrated by things like a clean criminal record, good grades etc.
2. You can support yourself financially. You will need to show income and anticipated expenses.
3. That your welfare is better served by not being with your parents. Hating mom's rules will not meet this criteria.
4. That there are no other reasonable solutions to the issues at home.

You will need to hire a lawyer to get you though the process.

You would need to file in a court that has jurisdiction over your parents or custodial parent if you do not live with both.

Also see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emancipation_of_minors

Answer 2

1. Chances are, the mother is on some sort of federal or state assistance. Send the information to the Attorney General's Office, and they should follow up. They'll probably file a petition to determine paternity, and once done, a child support order will be entered.

2. You need a court order. My guess is that you are in the program due to a court order of some sort. Which means a case in the courthouse already exists. File a motion in that case (it should save you some money) for emancipation, and get a hearing date. You will have to send notice of your motion to all interested parties: parents, living program, the State (if involved). Make your case to the judge. My guess is the only party who will really object will be the Program because they are going to lose 11 months of income. You'll need to be prepared with a Plan on how you will support yourself and where you will live.

Good luck.

** Note: This is a general discussion of the subject matter of your question and not legal advice. Local laws or your particular situation may change the general rules. For a specific answer to your question you should consult legal counsel with whom you can discuss all the facts of your case. **

Answer 3

Start with family court Good Luck.