Legal Question in Family Law in California

How to collect from a dead beat dad

My x has not paid child support in 3 years, I have a DA case but they say they can't do anything. He is self employed building contractor and cashes all his clients checks and always claims he has no money, but he buys a new truck, moves into a nice big house that he rents and keeps no money in the bank. He is married and his wife works.When I ask him about it he just laughs at me and says he'll never pay a dime.

Please help, what can I do ?


Asked on 11/28/05, 12:06 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

H.M. Torrey The Law Offices of H.M. Torrey

Re: How to collect from a dead beat dad

With a court order, you do not need DA assistance in acquiring the legal relief you seek. A private attorney could be FAR more effective under the circumstances. From the facts you have given, you may legally garnish "wages", levy his bank account, and/or place a lien/force sell his real property to satisfy the court order. If you would like a free consultation and further assistance from here, contact us directly.

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Answered on 11/28/05, 1:56 am
Damian Nolan Law Offices of Damian M. Nolan

Re: How to collect from a dead beat dad

It is always more difficult to obtain adequate child support and enforcement orders against self employed persons - especially if the self emloyed person is not stating his true income to the IRS - which very many don't.

However, there are ways and means of putting pressure on your ex to investigate his true income. Child Support Services don't always have the time to properly pursue each 'dead beat' parent. You should retain the services of an aggressive family law attorney who will put in the time and effort to do the necessary discovery to ascertain your ex's income. The legal fees you incur may well prove to be money well spent.

Kind regards,

Damian M. Nolan

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Answered on 11/28/05, 11:15 am


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