Support adjustment...no one willing to help...

[thovind1]

My child support was calculated in November, when I was self-employed. I'm now ordered to pay $550 a month for support, but I have not found a job since December. I've gone out of my way to prove this to the Friend of the Court. Finally, they just told me they refused to open the case for review, because they didn't want to. They told me that if I wanted it reviewed, to file a case in court. If I had enough money to do this, I would just get an attorney! I live 300 miles away from the FOC office, and am now on government assistance, with no vehicle, and no gas. Is there another option I can pursue, so as to force them to open the case, so that I don't go to jail? I have full-custody of a 7 year old that would go to foster care if I'm sent to jail. I have no problem paying what I can, but right now, I can't even find a minimum wage job up here, let alone one that will pay that much support.

Unfortunately, my daughter and I are going through the toughest financial times of our lives. Not trying to be a deadbeat dad...most of my assistance check, when I begin getting it...will likely be going to child support. But if the FOC isn't willing to open the case back up, what little I'm going to be able to send them isn't going to make a dent in the $550 that keeps piling up. No one is willing to help, unless I pay them too. Obviously, if I had the money to pay someone to help me, I wouldn't need the help!

Thank you for any guidance you can give me.

[Attorney Howard Iken]

You should try self-help. Forms are available at Florida State Courts