Legal Question in Family Law in New Jersey
legal rights
Over 10 times since breaking up with his x-girlfriend, my boyfriend has had to go to court to prove his innocence concerning drugs and violence and parental fitness. He passed all and has one weekday and overnight weekends with his son. Recently he took her, for the first time, to court about changing support ( 209 per week- he makes about 400 per week) and the hearing officer denied him. He appealed and she told them to wait 1/2 hour to go before a judge. She left. They did nothing but say she must not have heard right but if he is even one week late on support they send someone to arrest him. He has respected and abided by all orders placed upon him but there was not even a little respect concerning his view point, the one time he tried to stand up for himself. They proceded without her and denied him everything, even saying he should get a second job. Maybe the outcome would have been the same, but I feel like she should have shown more respect towards my boyfriend and the court system, and been required to stay. He has always had to. She thinks she can do whatever she wants, and apparently she can. Can we do anything? File a complaint or anything, just so it is in her file or so she knows that it wasnt right?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: legal rights
He should consult with an attorney, taking all his papers with him so that his situation can get a careful analysis so that he will get the best advice.
Father's have a bad history in terms of child support so that there is a built in prejudice favoring the mother's claims. The man MUST go to court with an attorney. On the other hand, she often needs no attorney.
Call me if you like.
Gary Moore, Esquire
Hackensack, New Jersey
www.garymooreattorneyatlaw.com