Legal Question in Family Law in Connecticut

Godmother Responsibility

Ex husband completely walked out on kids 12/97 to avoid paying support and is no where to be found. His family knows exactly where he is but will not share information with us. His sister, who is my daughter's godmother, also will not share this info. My question is: Is there any way I can sue her for her role in failing to stand up to these responsibilities as a godmother. She stood before god and swore that she would accept the responsibility of my daughter if anything happened to either of us. Well, her brother has dissapeared is the one not paying support and can't be found even by private detectives (three years now). Is there any way I can hold her partially responsible due to the promise she made? I know it's a long shot but we all live in the same area and its frustrating day in and day out to know the ex's relatives know where he is but protect him and my daughter keeps going without. It's a long shot but she did make a promise to her godchild and I feel it should be honored. It was a contract to watch out for this child if anything happened to either of us. Thank you.


Asked on 6/23/00, 1:06 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Diana Mercer Peace Talks Mediation Services

Re: Godmother Responsibility

Unfortunately, I believe that a godmother doesn't have any legal responsibility to support a godchild. Therefore, she hasn't really done anything legally wrong. Godmother is a church title, and its responsibilities lie within the role defined by your church. I don't know your church's policy on godparents who shirk their moral responsibilities, but you may wish to ask. This must be very frustrating....I've got some skip-tracer web site links on my web site, peace-talks.com, but it sounds like you've used detectives already. Have you contacted the DA's office about pursuing him for the child support arrearages? They may be able to access his licenses and social security records, information which is unavailable to private attorneys and detectives. Good luck!

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Answered on 9/01/00, 11:20 am


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