child support

[happilyremarried]

I have a California Order in which the venue has been transferred to Oregon. I was given sole legal and physical custody of my children. He is ordered no contact. He is fighting this in court. His attorney states that since he has no visitation rights that he does not have to pay support. I do not beleive that this is true. Where can I go in the State of Oregon to research this? Do you know the answer?

 

[BugHogan]

I'm certainly no expert, and I'm sure you'll get an answer soon to your question from someone who is(I did) but as far as I know, here in Minnesota, just because a parent doesn't have visitation rights, doesn't take away their obligation to financially support that child. Maybe laws in California are different . . .

 

[usmcfamily]

Support and visitation are two totally separate issues - the only way he wouldn't have to pay the support is if the court ordered it so...and since it apparently didn't see fit to do that when issuing the order of no contact his attorney is WAY off base in his advice. In fact, his attorney is setting him up for some problems as the support he is refusing to pay will simply build up as arrearages and he will find himself in hot water.
As to where to go in the state of Oregon - depending on the county you are in the office may vary, but in the county of Yamhill for instance, they actually have a separate office dedicated strictly to support enforcement - your best bet is to contact the family court system of the county where the jurisdiction is currently held and inquire directly with them as to whom you should see. (we lived there on our last tour)
Good luck and God Bless

 

[happilyremarried]

Thank you for your quick response. I have called the child support agency and they gave me legal aid 800# which always seems to be busy. I will contact the courthouse for futher information. Thank You again

 

[usmcfamily]

On the subject of the legal aid 800#.....again it comes back to what county you are in -- if you are in one of the metropolitan areas (ie Washington county etc...) you are likely to find that the # is always busy -- more people than legal aid workers .... I would try contacting an office in one of the outlying areas - they won't be able to provide specific help with the papers (that will have to originate from your county) but would be able to advise you to the state statutes etc....