Legal Question in Family Law in California

Welfare Arrears/Fraud

In the first two years after my son was born, I paid his mother a total of over $2000 in child support, all by money orders. I have all receipts as well as a letter she sent me indicating this agreement. During this time she received AFDC, and never informed the Welfare Dept that I was sending her money. Now I've been hit with over $7000 in welfare arrears, enforced by the D.A. I have been paying on this for over a year now by wage assignment (garnishment). I paid a visit to the D.A. and presented the information that I have. They indicated to me that they would submit the matter to the Welfare Dept for investigation, and that it could take up to 6 months. Now, over a year later, I've heard nothing. What can I do to speed the process, even if it means starting from "Square One"? Also, I live 400 miles from the enforcing D.A.'s office, so "paying visits" to the D.A. is no easy task.


Asked on 11/30/99, 6:22 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Gray Barber & Gray, LLP

Re: Welfare Arrears/Fraud

What is your goal. . . to get the mother in trouble or to reduce your arrearages? If the former, you can ask the D.A. about progress on the case, but it is up to them if they want to prosecute. If the latter, try to get the D.A. to stipulate to an adjustment in what's owed and if they don't, file a motion.

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Answered on 12/02/99, 4:32 pm


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