Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Alabama

if a court order for child support exist in Alabama and I live in New York can I be represented in an Alabama court without my presence. The support case has been closed for a number of years. My daughter is nearly 29 and well beyond the age of emancipation. The problem is I stopped paying support when President Clinton signed a comprehensive child supprot bill allowing states to charge interest if they wish. Unfortunately for me Alabama chose to do just that. As time passed I ignored it, simply because I felt, and still do feel, that I was being treated unfairly. At this juncture I owe $18,000.00 in arrears, which is difficult, but manageable; however, the interest has accrued to a whopping $50,000.00. I don't have a great job ( two part-time jobs), I live in a studio apartment, I haven't any visible assets, and I have other debts, mostly credit cards. Not having made much money in my life and no retirement savings I am terrified of the prospect that someday in just a few years Alabama will take 65% of my social security making it impossible for me to live. The government has already denied me a passport and will not issue me one until I have satisfied the outstanding debt. I want pay the support, I always have, but I still have a problem with the interest. Is there some way to mitigate this untenable situation. My hardship is extreme. I live from check to check. I've been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder, bi-polar depression and I have hepatitis C. Please help. I'm at the end of my rope. Larry


Asked on 4/25/10, 12:55 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
James Coleman Murchison & Howard, LLC

You never paid child support that you owed. You will have to appear in court in Alabama and answer the suit against you. As you said "I just ignored it". Well, the state of Alabama did not ignore it. Get in front of the court in Alabama and tell your story. You will have to pay child support. You may get relief on some of what you owe, but not all. The fact that you believe interest on child support is unfair makes no difference. You are not in charge, the court is. Get to court and get there now. Hire an attorney to appear for you.

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Answered on 5/07/10, 8:45 am


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