Legal Question in Family Law in Connecticut
My father owes my mother nearly $20,000 in unpaid child support. My mother decided to take my father to court, and can't afford legal counsel so she is representing herself. During the course of the procedure, the court has adjourned to to later times on behalf of my father, three times. Once because he did not show, and twice because he needed "more time and more guidance." Today they had another court date set, and the time of appearance was changed a few times, My mother thought the start time was 2pm, when in fact it was 10am. She works two full time jobs, so scheduling time off can get confusing and difficult. My mother showed up at the court for 2pm and they informed her she missed the hearing, and the judge dismissed the case. I have already helped her compose a letter to the judge in hopes she will show mercy and re-open the case. Is there anything else we can do at this point to get the case re-opened?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Instead of a letter, you should file a motion to reopen.There is a form for this on the judicial website. Form FM206. However, there is a filing fee of $125 and he has to be served by a marshal so that fee as well. You may just want to file another motion for contempt since you only will have to pay the marshal fee.
Your mother can always file a motion to waive fees and costs. There is a form for this too. FM075 and help text. She would have to be indigent to be granted the fee waiver.
You can also try the Support Enforcement Bureau which is an arm of the Superior Court. They will do this for you for free, but, like all state services, it's a slow process.
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