Legal Question in Family Law in Florida

Child Support Question:
I was married and had three children. We split up and she took off with the kids. I did not have contact with them until 12 years later. I was not paying child support during that time. I was recently contacted by DCF to notify me that the children were taken away from her. After that I was told I owed thousands of dollars in back support. I paid a portion of it and set up to make monthly support payments. Now I just got summoned to court stating that I am not paying support and arrears. It is from the Department of Revenue and OBO: my ex wife's name. I am not sure what this is for, who is petitioning, and how to move on from here. I do not work. I stay at home and do odd jobs for extra money. My long term girlfriend primarily supports me and our child. My ex wife has never worked. Am I liable for all the arrears and child support going forward even though I have little income? Is my ex wife not responsible for any of the states back support since she has never worked and has stayed on welfare? I was not allowed contact with my kids even during this time. Can I get the payments/arrears reduced?- Or based on my income? Do I need a lawyer to come with me to the hearing? The hearing is for Motion and Notice of Hearing on Contempt.
Thank you in advance for your help.

Asked on 5/23/14, 2:48 pm

John Smitten Carey and Leisure

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0 attorneys agreed

Use of a lawyer is recommended. If you did not pay support for 12 years then yes you owe the money. Maybe you can negotiate a long term payment plan.

Answered on 5/25/14, 10:47 am

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