Legal Question in Family Law in Utah

Re: Child support obligation

Much will depend on what your ex-wife does. Until you get a court order to the contrary, you are required to pay child support. The worst that could happen is you could be held in contempt of court which can result in a jail term, fines, and payment of attorney's fees. The mostly likely thing to happen, again, depends on your ex-wife. If she does nothing, then you're fine. I would recommend that you file a petition with the court to modify your decree asking the court to relieve you of your support obligation or drastically reduce it due to your unemployment. Along with the filing of that petition, you would need to file a motion for temporary orders seeking immediate relief.

Re: Child support obligation

You have a moral and legal obligation to pay child support for the child or children you brought into this world. If you refuse to pay, you can and will be held in contempt of court. You may be sent to jail for your contempt, and ordered to pay other sanctions. Your children will eventually learn that you abandoned them and will wonder why - it may cost you your relationship with them. Someday you will have to account to God. Your grandfather would tell you to get another job and pay your obligations.