Child Support

[coolmom235]

I have three daughters. One daughter is from my ex whom she now lives with. I had her for 14 years and always received child support but never a dime more. No medical or anything. I let her go live with him last year. I pay 232.87 in child support. I plan to help with her braces but refuse to pay the 184.00 he thinks i owe in medical since he owes me 14 years worth of medical bills. I have now graduated and started teaching so he wants to take me to court for more money. He also wants money for medical and for me not picking her up. But she has made it clear she does not want to come to my house. She has not spoken to her grandparents or cousins or aunts on my side of the family in a year due to alienation from her step mom. Does the courts take into consideration that I have two other children that I take care of too? I was told by my lawyer last year the courts don't care. If they raise my child support I will lose my home. I had to file bankruptcy due to him and I only bring home 2560 a month. Our bankruptcy is 3200.00 You tell me where I am going to squeeze out more money. what options do I have? Thanks Doris

[Attorney Howard Iken]

Unfortunately it is true. The courts do not care about other children. On the 14 years you did not ask for money - the rule for the most part is "you snooze you lose." But I still believe you can try to claim money owed for the last couple of years in which you paid children's medical bills. You will be required to prove you spent money.

You can always file a Motion to Deviate Downward from Guidelines and state your reasons. It is always worth a shot.

Attorney Howard Iken

The Divorce Center
7635 Ashley Park Drive Suite 503K
Orlando, FL 32835

Orlando Divorce Attorney