Legal Question in Family Law in Florida
Wondering what could happen to me.
My ex-wife had her attorney request for contempt of court for my rearages. I'm about 16,000 in rears. I didn't pay in 07' and partically 08'. I have been faithfully paying what I can since Jan 09'. I have been unemployyed since aug of 08'. Since June 09 child support is being taken out of my unemployement check 40% every 2 weeks. I am a fulltime college student changing careers. From a licensed Plumber now studing Information Technology. What are my chances of being put in jail on my aug 5, 09 court date. Also, I am doing everything Pro Se. I would have hired a lawyer if I had the money.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Wondering what could happen to me.
One of the key questions in your case will be, "Why did you quit your plumbing job?" If you lost it because of the economy and couldn't find another job (I'm assuming that's the case because you're getting unemployment), then you should be okay. You just need to file a motion to modify your child support and offer some kind of payment plan on the arrearages.
If you quit your plumbing job because you didn't like it or you haven't really looked for a new plumbing job, then you may have a problem. You have the right to "pursue your IT dream," if that's what you're doing, but you don't have the right to risk your kids' well-being while you do it.
By the way, find a lawyer. I know you say you can't afford one, but you can't afford NOT to have one. Child support lawyers aren't that expensive, and, let's face it, you're facing jail here. Don't risk jail on your own.
Re: Wondering what could happen to me.
One of the key questions in your case will be, "Why did you quit your plumbing job?" If you lost it because of the economy and couldn't find another job (I'm assuming that's the case because you're getting unemployment), then you should be okay. You just need to file a motion to modify your child support and offer some kind of payment plan on the arrearages.
If you quit your plumbing job because you didn't like it or you haven't really looked for a new plumbing job, then you may have a problem. You have the right to "pursue your IT dream," if that's what you're doing, but you don't have the right to risk your kids' well-being while you do it.
By the way, find a lawyer. I know you say you can't afford one, but you can't afford NOT to have one. Child support lawyers aren't that expensive, and, let's face it, you're facing jail here. Don't risk jail on your own.
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