Child Support Issues

[melliann]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Minnesota.

I was just at court this morning (and no I don't have a lawyer because I can't afford one, and legal aid told me that they can't help me) anyways it was for a contempt hearing, I have sole custody of my son and the NCP hasn't ever paid me for a full child support payment (arrears of almost $17,000). Last court hearing he called the courts to say that he didn't have a ride, okay I understand whatever, hearing was delayed until this morning. I get there and surprise he wasn't there, I checked in and got called into one of the side rooms right away to tell me that he called the courts and wasn't going to make it. Now it is delayed again until August 1st. I'm getting tired of this running around, for me a sitter is expensive - my son is disabled and hard to take care of. The contempt hearing was supposed to be him making yet another payment arrangement and the bail that he posted to get out of jail was to be transferred into my child support account. I just find it strange how he can afford to bail himself out of jail yet not be able to pay child support, I have a feeling that he is working under the table. His driver's license has been suspended (even though he still drives all over), tax returns are intercepted to me (but I have a feeling that he hasn't been filing them for the past 3 years, I haven't seen anything).

I'm just getting frustrated and just don't know what to do anymore. Please help me out, if not for me but for my disabled son (yes he has been certified by federal and state, main diagnosis is Down syndrome).

~Thanks

 

[torimac]

Not exactly legal advice (but then you had no specific legal question)...

The contempt hearings can take time. They are not an instant fix. I have been involved in such a case. My ex will not pay support, so I filed for contempt. That was almost two years ago and I still do not have any ruling.

My ex has delayed 5 times. Only two of them I would call legit, as the first his lawyer could not make it and the second, the freeways were closed due to a blizzard. The court delayed the case each time.

So, have patience. It may be expensive in the short run, but you need to show that you did everything in your power, including filing for contempt, to collect the child support owed.

 

[melliann]

contempt

This is the third trip of him having a contempt of court on him. In the past year I have been to court 5 times. It is just really frustrating, I have talked to Legal Aid and they say that they can't help me, it is just funny that my son qualifies for SSI but I can't get Legal Aid, they told me that if I was the one paying that they would help me. I just don't see how that is fair.

I guess my main question is, is there anything else that I can do? Be filing?

 

[TheGeekess]

Is your order through CSEA? If not, why not?

 

[melliann]

Cs

Yes it is through a CSEA, but I am the one that has to call them up every month and let them know that I didn't get a payment.

 

[mistoffolees]

Yes it is through a CSEA, but I am the one that has to call them up every month and let them know that I didn't get a payment.

That doesn't make sense. Go down to the CSEA office and ask to speak to a supervisor. Bring copies of your records and ask what CSEA is going to do to try to collect.

 

[CSO286]

Yes it is through a CSEA, but I am the one that has to call them up every month and let them know that I didn't get a payment.

Trust me on this one, dear. Your caseworker is aware that payments aren't in on your case. I work in MN child support.

Is your ex working? Why hasn't your caseworker initiated the contempt process? (Hint:they sometimes wont when they know the cp is.)