Legal Question in Family Law in Pennsylvania

Out of State Divorce aftermath

I was divorced in Ohio courts in March of 2005.

I resided in Pennsylvania at the time and still do.

My X husband resided in Ohio at the time of the divorce and currently resides in Arkansas.

We have 2 children from the marriage.

My X currently does not pay child support as agreed in the marital settlement agreement.

He has also obtained a new job and a large increase in income.

I am unsure of which states court system I need to go through.

What are the steps I take to go after him for more child support that he will actually HAVE to pay.....

I am tired of him being a dead beat dad. He has 2 children that he does not support from our marriage. Is there anything I can do legally to enforce the ordered child support? Is there anything I can do to increase the amount he is ordered to pay? Is it Ohio or Pennsylvania's jurisdiction?

I'm at a complete loss as to what steps I need to take next. The Lawyer I used for the divorce was extremely expensive and did very little for me. I have many questions and no means to hire another lawyer to answer them.

HELP!!!


Asked on 1/23/06, 1:11 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Roger Traversa Arjont Group (Law Office of Roger Traversa)

Re: Out of State Divorce aftermath

It's a fact that lawyers are expensive. We have high overhead costs and a demanding occupation. Some of us are better than others and you can only be an educated consumer in obtaining our services and seeing value. That said, I know of very few attorneys who have satisfied clients in a divorce proceeding. There is a tremendous amount of acrimony and the proceedings are as expensive as the other side makes them.

Generally the courts where the custodial parent resides _with_ the children will have jurisdiction over family matters. The divorce decree and any orders would need to be entered in the new state if applicable.

There are various mechanisms for enforcing child support and they range from garnishments to siezures of property, tax refunds and there are even means for criminal enforcement where a father refuses to pay. Any modification would also need to take place in the jurisdiction where the children reside with the custodial parent.

Unfortunately, I cannot handle such matters for free. I would be interested in pursuing this matter but would need a deposit against my fees. Your legal costs may be recoverable from the father, but this is not guranteed, nor is it a risk that most attorneys can afford to take.

Alternatively there may be legal aid resources that can help you at a lower cost. Please be advised that the demands on these services is great and whiole their service is competent, it will not be as attentive and may not be as effective as hiring a private attorney.

If you would like to proceed on this matter please contact me. If you have any other legal matter with which I may be of assistance please contact me. And if you know of someone who may need legal assistance, please feel free to pass along my contact information.

Regards,

Roger Traversa

[email protected]

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Answered on 1/23/06, 1:32 pm


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