Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

Re: behind on child support/alimony

Yes, you have a problem and the sooner you get a handle on your arrearage the better.

That said, if you go look at the orders in the action you will notice that the court flatly prohibits one parent from conditioning compliance with a child support order or parenting plan on the other parent's performance of their obligations pursuant to the other order.

That means hostage and ransom is wrong.

She cannot have you arrested unless she is a police officer. OR, unless you commit domestic violence and the cops believe her, so be careful.

She cannot have you audited unless she works for the state or the IRS.

She can bring a civil action to force you to pay support. It is called contempt.

A court could theoretically have you jailed - not for a debt, but for failing to observe and comply with the court's order to pay support.

I would recommend that you make sure that you have a record of each payment you make. Don't pay her cash without getting a receipt.

Your remedy is to ask the court to find she's in contempt for failing to allow you to have time with your children.

Don't hesitate to contact your county's Bar Association for a referral to a clinic or a private attorney who can do a consult and properly advise you. This is a poor substitute.

But I hope it helps. Elizabeth Powell