I received a letter this past Monday from the LA County Department of Child Services informing me that I owe $880 in child support per month. The mother of my child and I established an arrangement whereby I send her $200 every two weeks via Zelle, and she refused to have me pay child support. She has, nevertheless, been getting monetary assistance and food stamps.
What choices do I have? Due to rent, auto payments, living expenditures, and medical costs, I am unable to pay $880 every month. In addition, even if I have documentation that I gave her money, can she still get those benefits? I am stressed out and can not afford a lawyer, so any help would be greatly appreciated. Regards.
In California, any parent receiving cash aid for their children must assign child support rights to the county. This allows the county to recoup the aid from the other parent responsible for child support. Exceptions are made if a domestic violence restraining order or another safety concern prevents contact with the other parent.
If your ex receives cash aid, any unearned income counts dollar for dollar against the aid, excluding support collected by the county on their behalf. Direct child support payments count dollar for dollar against cash aid.
Living on $400 per month is impossible in California, so your ex likely sought cash aid to supplement their income and signed the necessary paperwork. They cannot prevent the county from pursuing you for child support without losing their aid. For a parent with one child, the cash aid amount typically ranges from $400 to $800 per month, depending on the county’s cost of living and assuming the parent has not exhausted their 4-year cash aid limit.
You have two options: pay your ex more than the cash aid they receive or let the county pursue you and challenge their income assessment, explaining that you’ve been paying your ex directly. If you opt for the county’s route, the court will require you to include your child on your health insurance if available through your job and to pay half of any childcare costs, which might be financially burdensome.
Yes, she can benefit while getting your money. Why would her receiving $400 a month keep her from receiving assistance but you are required to pay $880? She still qualifies for benefits if the amount is more than twice what you considered acceptable. Children are expensive, and an additional $480 won’t even come close to covering that expense.
The letter you received regarding child support may be excessive. Call LA County Child Support Services at (866) 901-3212 and explain that you are already paying the child’s mother $200 every two weeks and cannot afford more. Collect documentation displaying your bills to see if they can reduce the amount. There might also be free legal assistance accessible. Respond to the letter on time and request a hearing if necessary. Even if you previously assisted the mother, depending on her circumstances, she may still be eligible for assistance. Keep copies of your payments as proof, but they may not affect the official child support order.