You should have time to play with them, not fight over custody.
Conflict over child support is very common. Non-custodial parents are often the victims of mistakes in the collection of child support. Sometimes a non-custodial parent has paid, but is turned into the State Division of Child Support.
If you are the one paying child support there are several things you should do to avoid having the courts or the State Division of Child Support get involved.
- Keep a record of all the money you pay. When emotions and stress are involved, memory is not very reliable. A log can help you and your attorney present a clear, accurate picture of what support you have given.
- If you discuss your child support with DCS or your anyone else write a letter detailing the conversation.
- Get all your documents in order. This includes back tax returns, pay stubs, canceled checks, receipts, etc.
- Make sure you file a court petition before modifying the support. If your situation changes, such as being laided-off or having other expenses, you can’t just change what you send to the custodial parent. You must file the petition to modify. The court must make the modification. If you lose your job and have no income you’ll continue to incur the same support debt unless you file a petition.
- Just because the other parent of your child agrees does not mean DCS will agree. Deals and changes need to be approved by the court. For example, if you owe $900 in child support and you agree to pay the rent instead. This can be a problem if your ex receives public assistance. Your rental payment will not be used to offset your support obligations.
- If something happens and you can’t pay, don’t ignore the situation. Just because nothing happens for a few months, doesn’t mean you won’t eventually be obligated. You could end up paying back child support.
- If you are paying as you should and you are being denied your visitation, file a motion in court. The court may find your ex in contempt of court. Just because you are being denied visitation don’t suspend your child support payments. Denial of visitation is no defense in Washington for non-support.
For help with any of the child support or other issues in divorce, contact a law firm who cares about you. Lambert Law is a family attorney in Vancouver, WA that will give you their best. Call 360-737-1473.
At Lambert Law, we want to work through the legal problems so you can get back to building relationships.
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