contempt

[faithnlve]

What is the name of your state? vt...I was paying child support on time from Jan 2001 up until April of 2006. I did have arrearages though for being out of work for 7 months in 2001 due to pregnancy complications. The courts did not find my arrearages back then as willful. Then last year for May, June, July and part of August of 2006 I had a hard time finding employment, So of course my ex pulled me into court on contempt. I explained to the court I was having a difficult time, but they found it willful at this point, and told my ex this case would go in front of a family court judge to determine the sentencing of contempt. Then in August of 2006 I began working in the family business and I began paying my child suppor on time again. Then murphy's law set in. The business did not pan out, and again I began looking for work, but became ill in the meantime. I am now in a catch 22. I am not looking for work now, since I have to have surgery which was scheduled for the end of this month, but due to other complications now cannot have surgery until March. I just received a certified letter ordering me into court in March for contempt charges. How do I handle all this now?? The reason I am not looking is because the last few interviews I had to mention being out of work for a month after my surgery to recoup. I have always been good paying my cs through the years, and never felt I was not responsible for it. I do understand being in contempt even if I did try to find work. It's still my responsibility. But its not like I didn't search. I have all the proof of my interviews and everything. So how do I handle my situation without getting into more trouble? Thanks again.

[fairisfair]

so, take all that information into court with you when you go to plead your case.

[haiku]

well you really should have attempted to possibly have your support lowered rather than not pay at all. If the court does not know why you are in arrears they WILL assume the worst of you.

your only way out is to pay your support.....