my wife had a son at a young age, and the father finally decides to take her to court 12 yrs later about child support in Maine, and we live in N.C. He has not been involved in my stepson life for 11 yrs, We have 4 other children including a premature baby. And don't really have $ to go there and a lawyer. Is there any lawyers in Maine probono or able to help a family in need. At least maybe some advise. Thank you.
217655
sorry don't know an answer to this but I just wanted to say my heart goes out to you. I have a prem baby and I know how financially draining it can be. \nHas your wife tried appealing to this guys better nature by explaining the situation to him and asking if there is a compromise you could come to?
565631
I know exactly what you're talking about.  My mother and I got custody of my nephew after my sister screwed up.  He was taken from her, we had a choice: foster home or with us.  I think its completely ridiculous to not put your child with family, that's her support system.  You can talk with the social worker.  Most social service departments (Department of Children and Families, Child Protective Services, Department of Children Society, etc.)  their goal is reunification with the natural birth mother.  We wanted to help my sister get him back until she started abusing drugs and alcohol again and married an abusive and violent piece of crap.  Now we are struggling to keep him far from that, and they are pushing for him to go back, even after her 3 DUI's and domestic violence charges in the last 3 years.  Every state is different, but hopefully someone at CPS can help you and you can start on the road to recovery and 'prove' yourself and follow the case plan.  Unless they terminate your parental rights, you always have the right to petition the court for replacement.  I wish you the best of luck!!!
537388
I would suggest that you consult with an attorney.\n\nIn almost every state, if there is a CPS proceeding, or child in need of care proceeding, you are eligible for an appointed attorney if you cannot afford one.\n\nI urge you to contact an attorney licensed in your state to assist you.  For a referral if you are not eligible for a free attorney, contact your local or state bar association.  Please... don't try and do it cheaply.  Your kids are worth it aren't they?
81253
sounds like mother is no good. if he is an adult why is dad still paying child support? money should go to son automatically! maybe son should go to FOTC and dispute that case. let me know if you need my help. ntjack02@yahoo.com. and good luck god bless you.
34874
Yes, you have to get a lawyer.  The fact that you don't feel safe around him or feel your child is safe hints at a serious issue.  The main reason for a lawyer though is to ensure that your kid is taken care of.  There is no way that you can do that on your own without help.
561990
Yes, you need to take this deadbeat to court.  I don't know where you live, so it I can't give you any specific advice, but every city has people (usually in the family assistance office) that can help you with the paperwork.\n\nYou may not want to see this guy again, but your child--HIS child--needs financial support, and you should get it for your daughter.
106833
Just because he is ordered to pay child support does not mean he gets rights to your child.  Visitation and custody are dealt with in seperate legal battles.  Go after the child support.  It won't go against you if you don't go for it, but is it really fair that you're shouldering all the financial responsibility for your son.  Applying is easy.  Go to your state's .gov web address, and search for child support or dept. of revenue.  Once you fill out the application and send it in, they will notify you of any progress with your case, and will assign a court date. (Save copies of all paperwork you send in or they send you)  If your son's father is named on the birth certificate, that's good enough for the court.  If he's not listed, he can either say he is the father, and the court will decide the amount he is to pay or he can contest it, and get a paternity test.  If he doesn't show up to court for these hearings, a bench warrent will be put out for his arrest (they won't seek him out, but if he gets pulled over for speeding and there's a warrent, he will be arrested).  The judge will ask both of you to submit financial statements, and then determine how much he will pay (a percentage of his pay, usually no more than around 35%)  They could also order him to pay back support.  \n\nI'm not trying to say your son's father is a bad guy and deserves harassment.  I just want you to know the process.  I'm a firm believer in child support.  It takes two people to make a child, and two people to support it financially.  Right now, money may not be such a huge deal, but why take all of that on when you're already doing all of the parenting too?  What about your son's future?  What about college?  Perhaps having that extra money could mean moving to a better neighborhood with better schools.  Perhaps it means that you could afford to work fewer hours to spend more time with your son.  Think about the possibilities.\n\nAs far as him being irresponsible in other areas, if you're worried that he'll go after custody, most cases the child will stay with the primary caretaker (you).  They will review his behavior and decide if that's appropriate.  Same thing with visitation.  They will review his behavior and decide if it's appropriate.
212193
The courts will follow the law.  But there are also always exceptions.  There are laws regarding the order of the priority of the obligation to support a child.\n\nDo a google for your state and "child support calculator"  You will get a page that will help you see what the law says.\n\nThere are several things to consider.  \n\nFirst, HAVE A PATERNITY TEST DONE.  It costs about $100 and can save you tons of money if the child isn't yours.\n\nSecond, oddly enough, in the eyes of the court, there is only a small amount of money they have to leave you to support yourself and your family.  You will be able to look at the laws if you do the google I told you about.  Or google for your state and "child support guidelines."  But the standard is that you can expect to pay one weeks take home pay per month in child support.  And that is normal, not excessive in the eyes of the court.\n\nBut you really need a good lawyer.  Not knowing about the child does not remove your obligation, but your situation provides you with some compelling arguments for decreased child support to be ordered.  Plus there is the question, why did the mother wait until now to request child support?\n\nWhen you prepare for court, make sure you have details of your family budget, all your bills, the expenses for your children, etc.  Come up with any paperwork you can.\n\nBut I will warn you, if you have a nice house, nice cars, etc., the court is not going to have much sympathy.  It sounds dumb, because logical people can see that you worked hard to be able to provide your family with nice things and that you didn't budget for the expense of the other child, but in the eyes of the court, that child has a right to a percentage of your money, like it or not.\n\nGood luck.  And as expensive as it may be, get a good lawyer. It may save you tons of money in the long run.
365389
I'm sure it depends on the state you live in, take Okla. If the noncustodial parent hasn't paid support for 12 out of 14 mos. it's pretty easy. I'd check with a lawyer, you'll need one anyway and most will give you a free consult.
422683
Seek out a church and speak witht eh priest or preacher.\n\nAsk that the church help you and babies get to another town or county.\n\nIF these other law inforcements aren't helping you, you should contact Dateline NBC. 20/20 ABC  any big news show  and have the whole damned city and county  responsible for your not getting the help rightly due you and children.
547959
Do you have his social security number?? if you do call a child support office in mass. i live in mass and thats the only thing i can think of is call child support IF you have his social security number, if not then im sorry. Good luck
635523
Marsh, with child support it goes strictly on his income. If he has lost some of his income since the order was first in effect he can ask for a lower amount. Yes, having a child in his home, as long as it is his, also counts for him. He will just have to talk to them and ask for a lower amount due to having a child now with you. It will not make a difference though if his income has went up.
240502
No such thing as a good and cheap lawyer.  Sorry.\n\nOtherwise, I suggest checking www.martindale.com for qualified family law lawyers in your area.  \n\nRemember that you get what you pay for.  And when you're talking about custody, you don't want to skimp on quality.
46500
You need to speak to a family law lawyer. The site below can help you find one in your area.
302367
Alright im not going to get too deep into this one here.  Your more than welcome to email me or IM me on... irreplaceably_rare@yahoo.com.  You need to call your local court house and ask for a Probono Lawyer that deals with your type of case... also ask for the number for the " State Bar... They normally have phone numbers of people to contact.  Here is the real issue, they didnt take the child out of the hands of someone abusing them when they should have, You need to also contact someone federally, I would need to know what state you are in, in order to give you the correct people to call.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou should look into suing the state for not taking the child out of the hands of the abuser.... Could be worth a lot, this case... I mean, nothing can add up to a childs life, But maybe they can help you get what you deserve.\n\n\n\nIn any event sorry for your loss, and good luck.
22639
Start with your state bar association: http://www.nhbar.org/ They will have a lawyer referral service.  They should also have a list of attorneys with a disciplinary record.  Lawyers have to worry about malpractice just like doctors do.   Chances are you will get a good one.  Getting a great one takes a little more work.  Of course the great ones are very expensive.  \n\nAsk for a short list of lawyers in good standing from the state bar.  You may need to call a few attorneys or firms to find someone.  If you tell them that you don’t have a lot of money up front you’ll soon see that a lot of firms will refer you elsewhere.  Ask them up front what their fees are, including all filing fees and expenses.  They can give you an estimate.  Many lawyers are willing to meet with you for a free consultation.  As for their record - ask about it.  They should have a long list of past of clients and references.\n\nIf you are really short of cash seek out pro-bono representation.  There are good lawyers that will help out in family law matters for free through different community programs.
466696
Call CPS (child welfare) anonymously and ask them what would be best.  \n\nYou can ask to be emancipated.  Your brother can apply to be your guardian.   You can report your father to the police or call child welfare and then ask to be placed with your brother. \n\n\nHere's info on emancipation.  I also have links below for guardianship and free legal help.\n\nGood luck.  Remember, don't let the bad influences around you drag you down.  Put yourself first and strive for your best.\n\nQuoting Florida Statutes, Section 743.015 - Disabilities of nonage; removal.\n(1) A circuit court has jurisdiction to remove the disabilities of nonage of a minor age 16 or older residing in this state upon a petition filed by the minor's natural or legal guardian or, if there is none, by a guardian ad litem.\n\n(2) The petition shall contain the following information:\n\n(a) The name, address, residence, and date of birth of the minor.\n\n(b) The name, address, and current location of each of the minor's parents, if known.\n\n(c) The name, date of birth, custody, and location of any children born to the minor.\n\n(d) A statement of the minor's character, habits, education, income, and mental capacity for business, and an explanation of how the needs of the minor with respect to food, shelter, clothing, medical care, and other necessities will be met.\n\n(e) Whether the minor is a party to or the subject of a pending judicial proceeding in this state or any other jurisdiction, or the subject of a judicial order of any description issued in connection with such pending judicial proceeding.\n\n(f) A statement of the reason why the court should remove the disabilities of nonage.\n\n(3) If the petition is filed by the natural or legal guardian, the court must appoint an attorney ad litem for the minor child, and the minor child shall be brought before the court to determine if the interest of the minor will be fully protected by the removal of disabilities of nonage. The attorney ad litem shall represent the child in all related proceedings.\n\n(4) If the petition is filed by the guardian ad litem or next friend, service of process must be perfected on the natural parents.\n\n(5) If both parents are not jointly petitioning the court for the removal of the disabilities of nonage of the minor, service of process must be made upon the nonpetitioning parent. Constructive service of process may be used, provided the petitioning parent makes an actual, diligent search to discover the location of, and provide notice to, the nonpetitioning parent.\n\n(6) The court shall consider the petition and receive such evidence as it deems necessary to rule on the petition. If the court determines that removal of the disabilities of nonage is in the minor's best interest, it shall enter an order to that effect. An order removing the disabilities of nonage shall have the effect of giving the minor the status of an adult for purposes of all criminal and civil laws of the state, and shall authorize the minor thereafter to exercise all of the rights and responsibilities of persons who are 18 years of age or older.\n\n(7) The court shall consider the petition and, if satisfied that the removal of the disabilities is in the minor's best interest, shall remove the disabilities of nonage; and shall authorize the minor to perform all acts that the minor could do if he or she were 18 years of age.\n\n(8) The judgment shall be recorded in the county in which the minor resides, and a certified copy shall be received as evidence of the removal of disabilities of nonage for all matters in all courts.