View Single Post
  #7  
Old February 9th 06, 02:22 PM posted to alt.child-support
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default how to file for child support

I would suggest that you consider carefully the wider implications of
seeking child support from the mother. It's extremely unusual for custodial
fathers to be getting child support from the mother. Of course, one reason
for this is that it is extremely unusual for fathers to have custody.
Another reason is that, as in your case, if a father can by some means or
other get custody, often he contents himself with that, and does not also
seek child support.

You have two girls, both still relatively young. I would think there is
a definite possibility that, if you go after the mother for child support,
she will retaliate by seeking a change of custody. It is by no means
difficult to see how she would get it. "Yes, I was a bad mother in the
past, but I'm a reformed character now. My daughters need their mother.
He's had them for over six years, and now he's trying to make money out of
them. Before they're grown, they should have a chance to get to know me as
their mother." That's the sort of thing she'll tell the judge. She may
have some feminist groups supporting her in court. And the prejudice against
fathers in domestic relations courts in the U.S. is so strong that she may
very well succeed.

Others will tell you differently. However, in your shoes, I would try
to be realistic about the situation. If you can manage without the mother's
support, I would let sleeping dogs lie.

"mosnar" wrote in message
oups.com...
Thanks in advance for any response.

I am a divorced father of two girls. I have been raising them on my own
for 6.5 years. My daughters are 8 and 14 years old. They live with me
full time, 365 and 24x7. They have only talked with the mother a few
times a year on the phone, but have not seen her in 6 years.

Anyway, I think it's time that I ask for child support. My question
is....Where do I start, how do I accomplish this task.

I live in Texas, at the divorce I declined any support. The judge told
me that if I ever want it (child support and health insurance) to come
back and ask for it.

I am sure its not that simple. There must be some paper work or court
papers that need filing.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks