Wednesday, August 28, 2013

My ex- wife is taken me to court 4 support but she has my so and i have my daughter .

Q:  i got custody off my daughter in oct 2012 and a suspended order of custody as well ,will i have to pay her support


A:  David's Answer:  Generally when there is a split custody situation the court calculates child support you would pay to her for the child in her care, and then the court would calculate support she would pay to you for the child in your care. However, you must have your own cross-petition requesting support for the Court to do this. If you do not, then the Court will only calculate support you owe to her. In any event, should you have any follow-up questions, I highly encourage you to schedule an appointment with an Orange/Westchester Co. Child Support lawyer. -- David Bliven, Westchester Child Support attorney (www.blivenlaw.net)

What does this CPO-D/R implies when placed in the calendar of a court order?. Can you explain??

Q:  this is in relation to a child support case. Unfortunately unable to pay due to lack of work.


A:  David's Answer:  It usually means the date is just on the calendar for administrative control purposes, often used as a "tickler" in the system to trigger a deadline for the Magistrate, such as when an order or decision is due. Nevertheless, I highly suggest you verify same by calling the Clerk's office. I also encourage you to schedule a consultation with a White Plains Child Support lawyer. -- David Bliven, Westchester Child Support attorney (www.blivenlaw.net)

I am a married man who had a child outside of marriage.

Q:  The child's mother is now taking me to child support. Why do they want my wife's finical information if she is not legally obligated to the child.


A:  David's Answer:  They may be asking for your wife's information if she helps pay for some of your household expenses and defrays more than your 50% share of same. If she does not, then I would object to disclosure of same (which forces their hand to file a motion so the Magistrate may consider whether to order that disclosure or not). In any event, you should consider scheduling a consultation with a Child Support lawyer in your area.   -- David Bliven, Westchester Child Support attorney (www.blivenlaw.net)

I had a job wher i was paid 400 a week. i was orderd to pay 50 in child support weekly and 175

Q:  i lost my job and go unemployment. 220 a week i then took a part time job for 7.50 an hour and lost 3 days of my unemployment bringing me to 55 a week unemployment and 75 dolars a week on my paycheck . big mistake. i am goin back to court to get a modification. will the judge understand that i was unjustly fired and that i am eligible for 220 a week but since i took a part time job am only recieving 50.. will the judge lower my support and daycare since i make well under 10000 a year and it wasnt my fault i got fired?


A:  David's Answer:  You ultimately have the burden to prove to the Judge that you were fired for reasons other than that it was "your fault." This may involve subpoenaing your ex-employer. You also have the burden of proving you've made a "diligent effort" to find work commensurate with your prior job. For a full assessment, schedule a consultation with a Dutchess/Westchester Child Support lawyer.  -- David Bliven, Westchester Child Support attorney (www.blivenlaw.net)

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Westchester: Discretionary amount of child support above $136,000 combined income?

Q:  Household income = $242,900. He does not want to pay his pro rata share (46%, or $1187 per month) on the income above $136,000. I think he should. We cannot agree, and it looks like this may go to court. How will a judge be likely to rule, given that no other circumstances affect his ability to pay (as per step 11(c) of the child support worksheet, including prior support obligations, etc.). Thanks.


A:  David's Answer:  What you are describing is what the Judges & lawyers call a "Cassano" hearing, named after a leading case on that issue. There are numerous factors a Magistrate will consider, some of which are the disparity of incomes between the 2 parents, the standard of living the child(ren) enjoyed before the physical separation as well as whether the child is engaged in any "add-on" activities, such as private school or expensive extracurricular activities. You're well-advised to schedule a consultation with a White Plains Child Support attorney. -- David Bliven, Westchester Child Support attorney (www.blivenlaw.net)

Can I file for Child Support if my husband has not moved out yet?

Q:  We are finishing up a bankruptcy together and he is planning on moving out in a few months. Then we plan on going to mediation in the mean time I would like to file for child support so he knows what he will be left with and I know what I will get, so that way we can budget moving forward.


A:  David's Answer:  Generally the answer is no. The reason is that the Court must determine one parent versus the other is the "custodial parent" for child support purposes. If both of you are living together, then you are both, in effect, the custodial parent of the children. An exception may be made if there's an allegation that, despite having financial means to do so, one parent is willfully refusing to help pay the basic necessities of the children. In any event, for a full assessment of your situation, schedule a consultation with a Westchester Child Support lawyer.   -- David Bliven, Westchester Child Support attorney (www.blivenlaw.net)

Will the court continue to try and serve non custodial parent support order?

Q:  They weren't able to by the hearing date, so it has been rescheduled. How long will they try to serve him and at what point do they give up? I don't know where he works and I doubt he would open his door to a stranger.


A:  David's Answer:  No. the issue is that the Court is not ultimately responsible for service - you are. Thus, the court will only mail out a copy of the summons & if he fails to appear, the Court cannot proceed. You may now need to hire a process server to serve him personally. For a full assessment, schedule a consultation with a Westchester Child Support lawyer. -- David Bliven, Westchester Child Support attorney (www.blivenlaw.net)