Legal Question in Family Law in Mississippi

Is there an easier and/or cheaper way to make ex pay child support

After 20 years, my husband left the family for another woman in another state. This was in January 2002. Divorce was final in July 2002. Because I was so devastated, I let my husband write the settlement and I agreed with whatever he said. He set up the amount of child support he wanted to pay. We also had a college fund for our daughter of $10,500. In settlement, he was in charge of that account and had to put it in an account where it would collect interest and could not be withdrawn for anything other than college. Child support due on first of month. He has not put college money in any kind of fund. Child support may not come until the 18th, or in that area which really messes up budgeting. Also he did not pay two months of child support. I went into debt paying the bills that he alone ran up the months before the divorce. I can't seem to get caught up. I contacted DCS who told me I would be better off taking him to court. Big surprise....can't afford that. Is there anything I can do that is not expensive to make him abide by the settlement he wrote. Also, he is charging things on a credit card with his name on it but put down my home address as his so bills keep coming to me. Please help.


Asked on 11/13/03, 2:12 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Albert Pettigrew Law Offices Ph 228-875-8736

Re: Is there an easier and/or cheaper way to make ex pay child support

The child support enforcement division of the Miss. Dept of Human Services have to pursue child support in court if you request it. The cost is $25. The problem is that they have a huge backlog, so it will take time. Another alternative is to send the court clerk a letter requesting that the wage withholding order be forwarded to your ex-husband's employer. You will need to provide the employer's address. Lastly, you can hire a private attorney to go after your ex for contempt. It will cost money up front but the court should order your ex to reimburse you for attorney fees and back due child support or go to jail until he does.

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Answered on 11/13/03, 3:11 pm


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