Legal Question in Family Law in Georgia

Recourse for child support non-payment

After we married , my wife's ex-husband stopped paying child support for first 5 years and paid only 10-20% of amount due per month for last 5 years. Until this year my wife worked only part-time in order to be a better Mom so we did not have an abundance of income. I have been primary support for the kids for past 10 years.

We made some efforts to collect but he became a master at hiding money, using his new wife as cover and working for cash, so the usual collection methods all failed miserably.

Oldest child just turned 18. Other child is 15.

My wife does not want to pursue the issue with the ''ex'', but I do.

Question: Do I have a any rights to any portion of the past-due child-support, since I've (gladly) paid for ''his'' children's expenses for 10 years?

The past-due support is around $190,000. What are my options? Thanks...


Asked on 5/25/06, 2:04 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Charles W. Field Charles W. Field, Attorney at Law

Re: Recourse for child support non-payment

Whether you any rights is questionable. However, you wife can take various actions, such as contempt, garnishment of his bank account/wages, etc. Consult with a local attorney.

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Answered on 5/31/06, 4:48 pm
Glen Ashman Ashman Law Office also dba Glen Ashman Attorney

Re: Recourse for child support non-payment

You have no legal claims.

Your wife obviously does but she has to choose whether to pursue them.

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Answered on 5/25/06, 2:22 pm


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