To anyone who works for the Friend of the Court, or who has gone through this themselves, how long did it take you to get into the system and receive your first support payment?

I'm thinking of finally going this route but have heard many different things... anywhere from a month before you receive the first payment to four months. Of course, my attorney is saying it won't take any time at all, but he's been pushing me to do this from the start, and, he has no money worries, so missing four to 12 weeks of money wouldn't be anything to him.

Heather, I know truly how long and tideous the Friend of the Court process can be My sons father was served with papers in June....I believe I filed in APRIL! He still wasn't ordered to pay anything until October It's December and I still haven't received anything.....There's no telling how long the process will take and also I believe a lot of it has to do with how well he cooperates. My ex failed to show for 2 court appearances.....Which you aren't obligated to attend.....but I'm sure this slows things.

If and when he is ordered to pay something and he doesn't, he'll have roughly a few months before a warrant is on his head. But that depends on how much he's ordered to pay.


Good luck


Smooches;)

From the court date until you receive a check could take anywhere from 4 - 6 months. If you're lucky.

And that's if it involves check garnishment. If they give me a "chance" it could:mgun: take longer.
[Edited 12/10/04 8:51am]

CherryMoon said:

True. Now, if getting a check means that he would have to voluntarily pay the money (Which is my case), you may never receive a penny.


Smooches;)

MsMisha319 said:

He's self-empoyed, eh? Same situation here...



I really don't want to have to go through FOTC, but, it may come down to that. I do know that I can't wait months for money, though... Grrrr...

Tell me about it. It sucks, I know.....


Smooches;)

MsMisha319 said:

I found out yesterday that my getting a second job will only change the income ratio so that he will be required to pay even less. I couldn't believe it... it's not that I WANT to work 64 hours a week, it's because I HAVE to.

They certainly don't make things easier like everyone claims they do. I don't know... maybe he'll snap back to reality soon and I won't have to worry about FOTC.

*praying*

Good luck to you with this whole thing, Misha...

.
[Edited 12/10/04 9:28am]

To bad he isn't just willing to help you. Because he loves his children.

sag10 said:

He was willing, until recently. Lust apparently makes one do silly things.

I think if you did it it would wind up protecting everyone involved...including your friendship with your ex.

applekisses said:

I've considered that, as well.

It's just a huge mess... the whole thing, FOTC being the most messy. It's almost like you feel you may as well just get it all taken care of yourself and if you ever get any support, great, if not, it's not hurting you at all because you've made it so you can handle it yourself. Which, isn't easy either, but, considering the options, it may be the best way all around.

AzureStarr said:

Yes, apparently it does


Smooches;)

However, you're children deserve the support. And, if he does go into arrears they'll snatch Income taxes or whatever to make up any payments.

It even shows up on his credit report.

I know the system is not an easy one to manuever, but for your childrens sake, if he isn't supporting them, it's your job to make sure he does.

True as one person said you may never see a penny . . . right now, but I know of a few case when even though the child was in his/her twenties money started to come in, because the arrears stay on the books.

In some states, they will accrue (sp) arrears until the child finishes college.

It's really not about the money, but more about responsibility. If you're living up to your end, then "HE" should live up to his.

Just my 2 cents.

Peace and good luck.

CherryMoon said:

Yes, he should, and, for the most part has, until recently. I'm looking into it further before I decide on whether or not to pursue it with FOTC.

And, there are advantages with going through FOTC, as you said, arrears, etc... but, I can't afford to wait for support if it's going to take forever and a day. So, thinking I should make it happen on my own, getting a second job, it then smacks me in the face because the support would be lowered because I'd be earning more income, not that I want the support raised, I'd just be working the second job to assist me in raising the kids while I waited for the support to kick in through them. Grrrr... what a mess, what a mess.

Thank you for your input on everything, CherryMoon.

This is something only a lawyer can answer. Everyone's situation is different.

luv4u said:

Unfortunately, attorneys don't really have an answer to how long it will take to get into the FOTC system.

Trust me, I've asked many.

Have you talked with FIA? They might be able to tell you the ins and outs of everything.

applekisses said:

Unfortunately, FIA is not much help. Most of the workers act as if they're retarded.....FOTC is entirely different.


Smooches;)