I am representing pro se in my child support case. I am sole provider, 100% custody and all that. What do I call the document I will file listing out all my demands? I know you don't call it 'Demands for Settlement" and secondly 'settlement' wouldn't be in title as the support being sought is monthly. Any site you can direct me to? Tried Law.com but you have to know what you're looking for. Thank you!
LovesTheConstitution
Favorite Answer
Do NOT use the term settlement. You are correct that such a document would imply finality.
Call your local court clerk to see what documents are available online or for public inspection. You can copy petitions, motions, and proposed orders used by attorneys in that court.
You do not have to represent yourself on child support. Each state has a child support agency which charges very small fees for services. An attorney would be assigned to your case.
Many cities also have private companies which provide child support services and keep a percentage of what is collected.
If there is a contest over custody, it is a VERY BAD IDEA to represent yourself. These can be difficult and easy to make some mistake that would cause you to lose. At lease consult your attorney, even if you do not have the money to hire an attorney to represent you.
CaCO3Girl
Call the clerk of courts and ask what the documents are called.....OR....I highly recommend you go through child support services. You do NOT need to be low income to use this service, and it costs $25, and they take $1 out every time they collect a payment.....in return, they file all the paper work, with their lawyers representing you, and if the guy doesn't pay they suspend his license, can bring him into court for contempt, if he doesn't show up the Judge can issue a bench warrant, they can seize his tax returns, raid his bank account, put lien's on his property....and all it EVER costs you is $25.
The draw back is that child support services is typically backlogged by about 6-12 months....so if you can't wait that long you should take it to court yourself. Once you get the order though as soon as he gets behind by 2 months take your order to child support services-recovery, and they can do all those things I listed above to him to MAKE him pay.
This is what we had to do with my step son's mom...she didn't think a woman should have to pay child support...the state disagreed with her!
Anonymous
When I need info such as your I Google the most important words you are looking up.
It's unbelievable the amount of information you will get doing that.
Good luck.