doesn't make sense

[waitinMd]

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

In the hearing last week for Contempt/Show Cause, my ex gf told the judge that she was not working and that is why she can't pay cs. She also said she had a job interview last week, but couldn't go because they suspended her license. (she has never held a job more than 2 weeks)

The order was established last Aug. She was ordered to pay 185.00 per month, daycare was NOT included. In October her registration was suspended and in order to get it back she had to agree to pay 229.00 per month. She agreed, but didn't pay, thus the contempt.

last week, the judge ordered her to pay 186.00 per month (one dollar) to "catch up"!!! What happened to the 229 to catch up????? I wasn't allowed to say anything, in fact I wasn't even notified about the hearing, I found out on Md. judiciary...

when I questioned the caseworker after the hearing said "oh well".
When I asked for a transcript, I was told I couldn't have one! I went to the courthouse and my folder does not have any input from the hearing, just the contempt/show cause order that went out. I was told the CS office had the information on the hearing. I called the 1-800 number for the Child support office and I got a summary of what happened. If they can give me a summary, isn't there a transcript? Is this how the CS office works? Does it typically go backwards when trying to collect arrears? I was going to file for a modification to include daycare, but I figured I should at least wait until she can pay the 184 or 183 or whatever!!

 

[LdiJ]

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

In the hearing last week for Contempt/Show Cause, my ex gf told the judge that she was not working and that is why she can't pay cs. She also said she had a job interview last week, but couldn't go because they suspended her license. (she has never held a job more than 2 weeks)

The order was established last Aug. She was ordered to pay 185.00 per month, daycare was NOT included. In October her registration was suspended and in order to get it back she had to agree to pay 229.00 per month. She agreed, but didn't pay, thus the contempt.

last week, the judge ordered her to pay 186.00 per month (one dollar) to "catch up"!!! What happened to the 229 to catch up????? I wasn't allowed to say anything, in fact I wasn't even notified about the hearing, I found out on Md. judiciary...

when I questioned the caseworker after the hearing said "oh well".
When I asked for a transcript, I was told I couldn't have one! I went to the courthouse and my folder does not have any input from the hearing, just the contempt/show cause order that went out. I was told the CS office had the information on the hearing. I called the 1-800 number for the Child support office and I got a summary of what happened. If they can give me a summary, isn't there a transcript? Is this how the CS office works? Does it typically go backwards when trying to collect arrears? I was going to file for a modification to include daycare, but I figured I should at least wait until she can pay the 184 or 183 or whatever!!

Just to inject some realism here...you know that you are going to be hard pressed to collect even 184 on a regular basis from her, do you really think you have any viable chance of collecting more?

Its not that I don't think that she should be ordered to share the costs of daycare. I just hate to see you spinning your wheels in frustration because its impossible to collect from her.

 

[waitinMd]

Agreed. That is why I haven't filed for the modification (daycare) the state suggests I file for. (child gets benefits that are pro-rated on my income).

I just don't get the judge going 'backwards' lowering the amount, makes you wonder who is speaking for the child. And you know as well as I that all she has to do is make a 10% payment and they will leave her alone for awhile. So much has happened concerning her within the last 6 months (repeat of SOS). I wanted to close my cs case, but was told I can't.

Truthfully, I'd like to see if I could move the case from the office of child support to civil and have her pay me directly. That way I did "file" as requested by the state, but I don't have to go through all this BS every 6 months. If arrears build up, than they build up and unless I file for enforcement they would just stay in arrears, correct?

 

[LdiJ]

Agreed. That is why I haven't filed for the modification (daycare) the state suggests I file for. (child gets benefits that are pro-rated on my income).

I just don't get the judge going 'backwards' lowering the amount, makes you wonder who is speaking for the child. And you know as well as I that all she has to do is make a 10% payment and they will leave her alone for awhile. So much has happened concerning her within the last 6 months (repeat of SOS). I wanted to close my cs case, but was told I can't.

Truthfully, I'd like to see if I could move the case from the office of child support to civil and have her pay me directly. That way I did "file" as requested by the state, but I don't have to go through all this BS every 6 months. If arrears build up, than they build up and unless I file for enforcement they would just stay in arrears, correct?

Let the office of child support continue to handle it. You are not required to show up at the hearings and then they get to be the "bad guys". Also, that way if she ever does have some significant income, you will get paid.

 

[truebluemd]

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

In the hearing last week for Contempt/Show Cause, my ex gf told the judge that she was not working and that is why she can't pay cs. She also said she had a job interview last week, but couldn't go because they suspended her license. (she has never held a job more than 2 weeks)

The order was established last Aug. She was ordered to pay 185.00 per month, daycare was NOT included. In October her registration was suspended and in order to get it back she had to agree to pay 229.00 per month. She agreed, but didn't pay, thus the contempt.

last week, the judge ordered her to pay 186.00 per month (one dollar) to "catch up"!!! What happened to the 229 to catch up????? I wasn't allowed to say anything, in fact I wasn't even notified about the hearing, I found out on Md. judiciary...

when I questioned the caseworker after the hearing said "oh well".
When I asked for a transcript, I was told I couldn't have one! I went to the courthouse and my folder does not have any input from the hearing, just the contempt/show cause order that went out. I was told the CS office had the information on the hearing. I called the 1-800 number for the Child support office and I got a summary of what happened. If they can give me a summary, isn't there a transcript? Is this how the CS office works? Does it typically go backwards when trying to collect arrears? I was going to file for a modification to include daycare, but I figured I should at least wait until she can pay the 184 or 183 or whatever!!

I am sorry to hear you are going through this having kept up with your story. When OCSE files the contempt on your behalf, you wont even get a single piece of notice. I found out about my ex's hearing (later cancelled) when I called OCSE to check on another matter.

If the case was heard in a courtroom by a judge, they should have recorded it and you should be able to buy the CD to get it transcribed.

I agree with LD, dont stress yourself over her lack of effort but keep trying. OCSE filed the contempt and theyre lawyers/caseworkers were in control because they have been tasked with managing your case.

 

[waitinMd]

Let the office of child support continue to handle it. You are not required to show up at the hearings and then they get to be the "bad guys". Also, that way if she ever does have some significant income, you will get paid.

Good point... thanks.

She just paid 5k to retain a criminal lawyer for her 50k bond to get out of jail... for drugs... again...seems like she could afford 184.00 to stay out of jail for cs... (vent vent....)

When OCSE files the contempt on your behalf, you wont even get a single piece of notice.

Then why is the hearing posted on Md. Judiciary? And why aren't the results of the hearing posted? The order for the support is posted, and that was at the States Attorneys Office. I wish they were at least consistent!! I looked up other peoples cases and their results are posted. I went to the courthouse and asked for a transcript, they said there isn't one.

Thanks for the advice. I will sit back and chill..