Legal Question in Family Law in Pennsylvania
I've been divorced for two years. In the divorce decree, it was written up that neither him nor I would go for child support but that we both would pay for half of the children's medical expenses, school trips, clothing and so forth. I have the children on my health insurance plan. Over the past few years, there have been increases and changes to the policy. With this, there has been a higher deductible and more in co-pays. During 2010, I have put out thousands of dollars for these expenses of the kids and when I ask their father for money towards it, he says he has no money. I would like to go through the courts for half of these expenses. When I contacted the court house, they told me that they will not give out legal advice and I should contact a lawyer. As of right now, I cannot afford a lawyer and was not happy with the one who represented me in the divorce. They told me that I need to find out which forms I need to fill out prior to coming in. Since I am unsure what steps that I need to take, would you be able to tell me which forms in PA need to be filled out if someone is not following a signed court order? (I've already tried going through domestic relations and they were unable to help me since I'm not going for custody)
1 Answer from Attorneys
I can understand why you might not be keen on your divorce lawyer. Any agreement not to seek child support is an illegal contract and totally unenforceable.
To get a child support case going you go to the Domestic Relations Office they have forms you can fill out by hand. The filing fee is around $20.
{John}