Legal Question in Family Law in Arkansas

State forcing support after 8 yrs of none

I have been divirced for over 8 years. We have two children, one lives with me the other with her. Our divorce papers state that no child support was to be paid by either of us. Now the State of Arkansas has sent me a summons and is demanding that I pay support, insurance, post a bond, and pay court costs. Why? What can I do? I can barely take care of my 12 year old daughter much less pay support and other exspenses. The other child is 14 years old. Now what?


Asked on 11/22/02, 7:32 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Butch Hale Hale and Young

Re: State forcing support after 8 yrs of none

I would send a copy of your divorce decree wherein child support was excused.

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Answered on 11/25/02, 7:56 am
Herb Southern The Southern Law Firm

Re: State forcing support after 8 yrs of none

The problem you have is that she has gone to DHS or OCSE and asked for financial or medical help. That is the trigger for the state to go after you for child support. Undoubtedly, they do not know that you have the other child and the arrangement.

Where was the original order entered and have you received a summons to appear in court?

All you can do is to fight it on the merits. Don't blow it off or they will get a default order against you and it will cost you dearly over time, and if you don't pay it after being ordered to, it could create criminal charges. OTOH if you fight it, they will most likely back off given the true facts as you have stated them

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Answered on 11/23/02, 11:59 am


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