Legal Question in Family Law in Ohio
setting up child support and visitation
I am 19 and had a baby 2 years ago, and did not marry the mother. The mother didn't want me to go to court for support so I just gave her money the first year, and all was fine. In October 2000, I had an accident at work and couldn't work since. The mother agreed that when I got my settlement I would catch up on payments. Now she got a boyfriend and decided I can't see the baby at all until I pay all the monies owed. She has been in full charge of when I can see my baby, and now I can't see her at all. I need to get in court and file for child support and visitation, I miss my baby. I need to know if when I go to court I will be required to pay all at once the back support, and if all the money I gave to her so far will count since we never went to court. I would also like to know the names of the forms I need to fill out for court so I can get them off the computer. I would greatly appreciate any help you could give me, I am desperate to see my little girl.....--name removed--
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: setting up child support and visitation
First of all, since there is no current support order, you may not have to pay any back support. This is assuming that she didn't receive any public assistance for the child. Find all your receipts for support you paid her if you want that to count. If you are ordered to pay support, any back amount will added little by little to the current monthly support. You are going to have to hire an attorney if you want visitation. There are no standard forms for that.