Legal Question in Family Law in Arkansas

Re: child support

The laws in my state might differ from yours, so take this with a grain of salt.

Child support is the child's right. Your marital status or living arrangement should not make a difference. You, as custodial parent, have the right to seek child support. You can do that by hiring an attorney or, as I advise anybody who calls my office, you can go through your local Child Support Enforcement Division (or whatever it's called in your state), which is probably listed under Department of Health and Human Services. CSED can calculate a child support amount, notify the obligor parent, enforce the collection, and their service is usually free. (That's always a good thing, right?) Child support and visitation are two different things, by the way, so even if dad does not ever see the kids, he is still obligated to contribute to their support. Likewise, if he doesn't pay, you don't have the right to terminate his visitation. It's usually in the child's best interest to have a relationship with both parents, and to be supported by both parents.