Child Support for child I have not seen in 12 years

[Madcoat]

I have a 14 year old son whom I gave joint custody to his grandmother after his mother died. The grandmother went to the Dominican Republic, and I have not heard from her or the child in about 12 years, until last May. I just received a petition that she is sending me to court for back child support and medical support. I kept medical insurance on the child since he was born until present. My question is. Do I have to pay back child support? Also, since he has had medical insurance, do I have to pay in back support on that?

[Attorney Cheri Hobbs]

The courts rarely if ever waive child support. So long as a legal guardian requests child support prior to the child turning 18 years old, the court may order arrears for the years leading up to the Petition for Support from the date of separation. Your case is unique because it involves a grandparent and not the mother. Provide proof that you have carried health insurance for the child and present that to the court.

Attorney Cheri Hobbs