Seeking child-support: is there low-cost or free help for woman whose spouse fled the country?

[Anonymous]

A dear friend with a delightful 10-year old is facing a sadly familiar situation: her husband flew to their native land and never came back. They divorced last year--she was in shock--and he's since remarried. He has paid not a dime in child support.
She has very little money.
Is there a law school clinic that might help her file for child support payments, free of charge to her? When I was in law school, we law students provided pro bono immigration services, under supervision, of course.
Alternatively, are there attorneys who would counsel her pro bono? She's in Maryland.
I'd like to help her somehow.
The silver lining is that she is employed; has family locally; and the child seems to be thriving.
Hope there's someone out there...

[Anonymous]

I think the first issue will be how an order can be enforced in another country. What country is it, OP?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think the first issue will be how an order can be enforced in another country. What country is it, OP?

Yeah, we don't have reciprocity with a lot of countries.

[Anonymous]

Very few lawyers have the expertise to handle international child support arrangements. You would have to enforce the order overseas in order to get payments for her. Not possible.

[Anonymous]

You don't want to do this. You would have to get an order from a foreign court to enforce child support. If you seek that order, you are voluntarily submitting yourself to the jurisdiction of that court. That court can then change your custody orders.

Don't do that.

[Anonymous]

Can't she just go to her local child support office and ask them? It is free if you go through them but it may not be able to be enforced.

[Anonymous]

honestly she should let it go. custody could get muddy later if Dad ever decides to care or ask for visitation. she is best to leave it alone. it's hard financially, but with some support and hard work she'll make it.

[Anonymous]

Honestly she's screwed unless he returns to the US or if he had assets in the US (does he own property, real or personal, in the US on which a lien could be placed)

[Anonymous]

I know it's unfair, but it's not worth the effort. Jerk is gone. Unless there are assets in the US (and MAYBE if he's in some parts of Europe or Australia) she's not going to get any satisfaction and will be spending money she doesn't have.

[Anonymous]

It won't happen if he left the country.