Child Support Without Court Order

[CANDLEMAN]

i have a son by a woman I never married. When he was 5 years old, we separated and i moved into an apartment. we came to a verbal agreement on child support payments. Last year I was laid off from a good paying job. I will soon be moving to the state of pennyslvania where my son is now living with his mother. I have done extensive research on the internet and have calculated the amount of support I would have to pay according to my income and my son's mother's income if there was a court ourder. The amount is considerably lest than the orignal amount agreed upon. What are my options, without going to court, if she fights this new amount.

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

My response:

If she "fights it", then you have no other options - - you let her take you to court to force her to tell a judge WHY your child needs more support. Once your case is filed, you'll both be assigned to a "mediator" who will informally discuss the issues with the two of you. If an agreement still cannot be hashed out, then it's in front of a judge for both of you.

That's why we have courts and mediators. But, in order for any of this to get going, she'll need to be the one who files.

Throughout all of this, I just want you to keep one question in mind. Will your decreased payments affect your child in any measure from what your child is used to having?

Good luck to you.

IAAL

 

[grandpabri]

As I have heard the esteemed IAAL state, your verbal agreement is worth the paper that it is printed on.

There have been many stories of NCP's who have come to verbal agreement, only to have the CP file for arrearages later.

My advice to you is to get something from the court so there are no questions.

 

[missjasmine]

Verbal agreements are no good!! Get everything in writing, preferably, done through the court systems. Also, please be aware that the judge may tell you that you've managed to pay the higher amount for six years and seemed to have no problem with it, why not keep it up?

 

[Ausibound]

Be aware that in most states support can not be more than 20 percent of what you get paid or up to that amount....normally you can get a change in material values regarding support. This change normally occurs either do to illness or move. I faced the same thing one time.....you have to do what is in the best interest of the child however....if there is a way to remain paying what you are then I would do it regardless.........its a standard of living for your child. Good thing is if it does go to court you will have a chance to give your declaration of support agreement, and court will view it legally remaining more than likely at 20 % or not to exceed that amount. Check your state laws regarding percentage of pay....it still might work out for you, just thank the good lord you dont have allimony on top of that. Good luck....


Ausibound