Legal Question in Family Law in California

Support for step child

I am currently seperated considering a divorce. I have been married for 12 yrs and have helped raise a step daugther who is now 14. If we proceed with a divorce, my wife has stated that she is going to force me to pay child support and provide health insurance for my Step Daughter.

My wife, already had a child support order with her ex husband for about 10 years. He owes her approx $90,000. She gave up that support order a few years ago and converted it to a health Insurance support order. Of course the ex does not pay that either, so I pay and provide the insurance for the months he does not.

Will a court order me to pay any health insurance and child support for a step daughter?

Please advise


Asked on 1/13/04, 10:37 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Brian Levy, Esq. Law Office of Brian Don Levy

Reply: Support for step child

You are not required to support or provide health insurance for your step daughter, unless you have adopted her. Otherwise, the court lacks jurisdiction over her as she is not a child of your marriage.

I suggest that you consult with an experienced family law lawyer. Experience is not expensive, it's priceless!

You will find some valuable information on various California family law issues at my web site.

Good luck to you!

Brian Levy, Esq.

www.calattorney.com

Read more
Answered on 1/13/04, 10:54 am
Donald Holben Donald R. Holben & Associates, APC

Re: Support for step child

Did you adopt the chile? If so, very likely. Should retain counsel to get you through the minefields involved.

Read more
Answered on 1/13/04, 11:34 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody and Adoption questions and answers in California