Legal Question in Family Law in Missouri

Childsupport Enforcment

My boyfriend owes back child support to his exwife. we have a joint checking account together?Can anyone freeze our account until he has paid her?


Asked on 2/19/98, 9:19 am

3 Answers from Attorneys

Barbara C. Johnson Law Office of Barbara C. Johnson

Boyriend's IRS refund can be attached for back child support

I have to guess YES in answer to your question.I do not know the system in MO, that is, who has therespnsibility for enforcing child-support orders:the family service office of the court or an entity like aDept of Revenue. If the authorities get to the account tograb his interest in the joint account before you do, you would be out of like.Take your funds out and put them in your own name. The authorities certainlycan reach his IRS refund -- assuming he is employed and has a refund coming.Consult a local atty, perhaps even a local accountant. Good luck!

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Answered on 2/20/98, 4:14 am
Bonnie Selby Bonnie J. Selby, Attorney at Law

Joint account, meaning either of you may w/draw funds?

Not licensed to practice law in State of MO, however, would assume that if the above is true, "yes, the funds in the account could be attached to recover child support arrearage. Has an amount been established for monthly repayment by him? If so, is he on schedule w/that repayment? If he is, then probably would not be attaching funds. He should have an attorney contact child support enforcement, if he hasn't and establish an amount for monthly reimbursement of back child support to alleviate any attachments.

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Answered on 2/20/98, 9:54 am
Alan Pransky Law Office of Alan J. Pransky

Protect your assets

Yes, joint bank accounts can be attached. You may be able to prove that the moneydoes not belong to your boyfriend and get it back or you may not. Considering thecost of going to court to keep your own money and the chances of losing, the easyanswer is don't have a joint account with your boyfriend or keep the balance so lowthat it won't hurt if the account is attached.

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Answered on 2/27/98, 10:16 pm


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