Gracie3787
Senior Member
It is actually our choice, since as legal guardians we will apparently have the ability to file.
I assume that since Mom literally has nothing, her practical support will be minimal. In that case we could conceptually file and return any money (it seems quite unlikely she could be asked to pay anything) to her. Yes?
If you apply for and recieve TANF, the CS that both parents pay will be paid to the state, not you, so the only way you could return money to Mom would be if you take part of the TANF money to do so. Which will cause many many problems for you.
Also, once you recieve TANF it is out of your hands, the state WILL automatically file for a CS order from Mom.