Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Title says it all. Never married so no formal custody or child support order. By mutual consent child always lived with mom full time w/ regular visitation w/ dad and child support paid by dad. Dad has informed me that he will no longer pay child support. We live in a state that requires child support until 21. DC is over 18 but under 21 and in college full time (for which Dad contributes nothing) and lives with me summers and breaks. I've looked at the child support calculator, and the amount owed and not paid would be significant.
Do I need an attorney to file for me? How much would using an attorney cost?
Can I self-file? Would that be dumb - would I be losing out on important advice an attorney could give me?
Does DC file on his own behalf? (I think not? but if so, what a horrible obligation to place on kid).
Honestly, I have a knot in my stomach just typing this. I fear poking the bear. I feel like my kid deserves this support, but I also am worried about any negative impact on relationship with Dad (which is already not great in some ways). I have not said anything to DC, but wonder if I should, especially if I file?
Thoughts? Any experiences to share?
Tell both of them the child support thing was 100% on you. Be the baddie.
I don’t understand what you mean by “be the baddie” - telling my DC I am filing for child support, which is required by law, is a relatively neutral statement. What do you mean “be the baddie”?
I'm saying let your ex be mad at you and not your son. Tell your ex you decided to file for child support unilaterally. They can complain to each other that you're the big bad B all they want. You're not in a relationship with your ex anymore so who cares?
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