Possible Retro Arrears - Kids Been W/ Me 100%

[ex_from_hell]

California marriage and divorce in 1994. Granted 50/50 custody. Ordered to pay child support for 760.00 mo. for 2 kids. 1n 1995, ex approached me to take kids full time as she was busy with her life. We reduced child support to 200.00 mo. We created a written agreement to this effect. I did not modify the original court order as I went on good faith. Fast forward to 2003. To clean up my credit, ex signed another notarized agreement stating that I did not owe past, current or future CS. I have raised my kids alone since 1995 and they are now 22 and 18. Yesterday, May 23rd 2008, I received an “unofficial” lien on my house from the county assessor for court ordered child support. I plan to see an attorney in few days (long weekend).

My kids have both stated un-equivalently that they would testify to the court that their mother had noting to do with them for the past 13 years.

Is there any precedence with this situation? Do I stand a fighting chance? I know that garnishment is right around the corner and I could be wiped out financially. Please help…I cannot sleep and am besides myself.

[LdiJ]

Originally Posted by ex_from_hell

California marriage and divorce in 1994. Granted 50/50 custody. Ordered to pay child support for 760.00 mo. for 2 kids. 1n 1995, ex approached me to take kids full time as she was busy with her life. We reduced child support to 200.00 mo. We created a written agreement to this effect. I did not modify the original court order as I went on good faith. Fast forward to 2003. To clean up my credit, ex signed another notarized agreement stating that I did not owe past, current or future CS. I have raised my kids alone since 1995 and they are now 22 and 18. Yesterday, May 23rd 2008, I received an “unofficial” lien on my house from the county assessor for court ordered child support. I plan to see an attorney in few days (long weekend).

My kids have both stated un-equivalently that they would testify to the court that their mother had noting to do with them for the past 13 years.

Is there any precedence with this situation? Do I stand a fighting chance? I know that garnishment is right around the corner and I could be wiped out financially. Please help…I cannot sleep and am besides myself.

Were you ordered to pay CS via the state?, or were you permitted to pay mom directly? If you were permitted to pay mom directly, then that notarized letter should stand as proof that you and mom were in agreement that you met your child support obligations.

If you were supposed to pay through the state, you may have a problem, or if mom collected any state assistance on the children's behalf, you may also have a problem. Get that consult with an attorney, ASAP.