Legal Question in Family Law in Georgia

Non-Parent Guardianship & Child Support

I am about to become guardian to a 16 yo girl from GA. I live in IA. She currently resides with her father in GA. Father refuses to buy essentials like food, feminine supplies, etc. for the child. Says that is her boyfriend's responsibility. Mother has ''legal'' if not ''physical'' custody (custody order never amended after she moved in with her dad). Mother is giving me guardianship. The man never paid his ex wife support, and is over $30k in the red with her. My question: Can I go after him for current child support once the child is in my care? Would the mother also be liable for support? Can the child sue him for non-payment of support when she is of age? How difficult will it be as we are in states so far apart? How could the child collect the arrears from when she lived with her mother? We don't need the $ for the support of the child, and would give the child full access to the $, were support granted.


Asked on 4/10/07, 2:26 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Luedeman solo practitioner

Re: Non-Parent Guardianship & Child Support

You need to go to court to get a child support order as the right does not pass with the child. The money is owed to Mom. The child has no right to the arrears that I know of and anyway, if the guy does not want to pay what makes you think a lawsuit's going to do any good? Interstate litigation is expensive and difficult.

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Answered on 4/12/07, 8:55 am


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