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You can collect child support from unwilling fathers

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Nov 24, 2017 | Child Support |

Women who become unexpectedly pregnant often find themselves stymied by the soon-to-be father’s reaction. Sometimes the father doesn’t want to be involved and will simply distance himself from the mother, the pregnancy and the child once he or she is born.

That includes not wanting to pay child support. Some fathers may even go so far as to question or outright deny their paternity.

If you’re a mother who needs help collecting child support from a reluctant father, what can you do? Follow these steps:

  1. Take the necessary actions to establish paternity. If the father won’t voluntarily acknowledge his paternity, you can request help through the local child support enforcement agency or family court to establish paternity through genetic testing. The testing is harmless to the child and the father will be compelled by court order to comply.
  2. You’ll need to approach the local family court to get a support order. While each state has a formula that is used to establish the amount of a parent’s income that is deemed to be for the child’s care, parents can come to an agreement for more or less than that amount outside of court. If reasonable, the judge may agree to the amount.
  3. Collecting the child support can often be more difficult than any other task — especially if the father didn’t want the responsibility in the first place. If possible, the best method to collect support is through direct withholding. That deducts the money from the father’s paycheck automatically.

Women sometimes find that reluctant fathers will go to extreme lengths to avoid paying. In those cases, you may need legal help to collect child support that you’re owed.

The court can often help track down a father that’s trying to remain hidden. It can also collect money from the father’s tax return or other federal income payments, such as disability benefits or retirement, or report a father as a “deadbeat dad” and enforce other penalties as necessary.

I’ve been served divorce papers that include false allegations: what do I do?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Jun 6, 2025 | Domestic Violence

Receiving divorce papers is already overwhelming. When false allegations are part of the paperwork, the situation can feel even more difficult. It’s essential to stay calm and know how to address the issue. Here’s what to do if you receive divorce papers containing...

Do domestic partnerships affect divorce rights?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Apr 14, 2025 | Divorce

Domestic partnerships offer many of the same rights and responsibilities as marriage, but they can complicate the divorce process. If you're ending a domestic partnership, your legal path may differ from that of a traditional divorce, especially in California....

Moore / Marsden calculations in California divorce

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Apr 10, 2025 | Divorce

In California, Moore/Marsden calculations determine how to divide property when one spouse’s separate property has contributed to the acquisition or improvement of community property. These calculations ensure a fair division of property in divorce cases, particularly...

How can you document SP for asset protection?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Apr 3, 2025 | Family Law

When you're about to get married, it's important to think about how to protect your assets, including spousal support (SP) money. If you've received spousal support in the past or expect it during your marriage, you may worry about documenting its use—especially if...

What to expect during child support enforcement actions

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Mar 23, 2025 | Child Support

Child support represents the financial contributions a non-custodial parent makes towards their child's upbringing. It ensures a parent meets the child's basic needs, such as food, housing, and education. It also supports a child's wellbeing, especially when parents...

Can you reimburse expenses before child support orders take effect?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Mar 17, 2025 | Child Support

After a separation, managing child-related expenses can become a challenging task, especially before any official child support orders take effect. Many parents wonder if they can reimburse child expenses during this interim period. Understanding your rights and...

Do mothers have more rights than fathers in custody cases?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Mar 11, 2025 | Custody & Visitation

When it comes to custody cases, it is a common misconception that mothers have more rights than fathers. This often stems from historical trends and societal assumptions about parenting roles. Whether you are a mother concerned about maintaining your relationship with...

Why should you update your advanced directives during a divorce?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Feb 28, 2025 | Divorce

Going through a divorce is challenging. One crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is updating your advanced directives. These legal documents play a vital role in ensuring others respect your wishes, even when you cannot speak for yourself. Protecting your...

Can you protect yourself and your children without a divorce?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Feb 25, 2025 | Domestic Violence

Domestic violence creates a terrifying and dangerous situation. You may feel trapped, believing divorce is your only option for safety. The good news is that California law provides legal alternatives if your moral beliefs prevent you from getting a divorce. Let us...

What can California parents do if their child refuses to visit the other parent?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Feb 14, 2025 | Child Custody

Dealing with a child who does not want to see their other parent can create stress for everyone involved. California courts expect parents to follow custody orders while being sensitive to their children's feelings. Parents can struggle to balance their legal...

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Recent Posts

  • I’ve been served divorce papers that include false allegations: what do I do?
  • Do domestic partnerships affect divorce rights?
  • Moore / Marsden calculations in California divorce
  • How can you document SP for asset protection?

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