I’ve been dealing with this situation for about 6 months. My ex decided to stop working completely and hasn’t been paying child support. He might pay $15 a month, but that’s basically nothing. I’ve reached out to CSEA a few times. The first time, a substitute caseworker got involved and made a full payment for a month, but this time, I was told my ex had credits for child support, like a few months worth. They sent me a sheet showing payments and fees, but the numbers don’t add up, and I think he’s 4 months behind. When I asked questions through the system, they just told me to call them. I’m not sure if I should get a family lawyer to look at things or if I should keep pushing CSEA to resolve it.
Keep contacting CSEA. They can’t always force payments, but they can make things uncomfortable for him if he falls behind. They don’t work well with attorneys since there are only a few staff attorneys, and those cases move slow. If you build a good relationship with your caseworker, they might help get his tax refunds to go toward your support.
Just a question I’ve been wondering about—if your ex applies for unemployment, social security, or welfare, can those payments go toward child support? I know some people will quit their jobs just to avoid paying, then later try to drop the back support when they get a better job.
@Thayer
In Ohio, yes, they can go after unemployment. My husband works summers and gets unemployment in the winter, and they take child support out of that.
Zinn said:
@Thayer
In Ohio, yes, they can go after unemployment. My husband works summers and gets unemployment in the winter, and they take child support out of that.
Thanks for the info. That’s one more thing I’ve learned. Glad I asked!
Start with CSEA. Tell them you haven’t received support in months and ask how he’s ‘paid ahead.’ They might be able to explain the paperwork. If you can’t get a clear answer over the phone, try scheduling an appointment. Were you ever on TANF? If so, maybe his payments are going toward paying that back to the state.
@Skylar
Definitely never been on TANF.
I’d go with CSEA first. It’s free. Lawyers cost money, and if he’s not working, you might not get child support for a while.