Legal Question in Family Law in Rhode Island

Child Support Arrears

I have arrears with the State of Rhode Island for $25,050. On Feb.2nd they put a lien on my bank account and withdraw the total amount I had, which was $24,569.00, and now, two days ago, they put a lien on my account for another $34,269! which I don't owe them.

What can I do?? Also, I have been making timely payments every month of $250 as per court order towards the arrears. Is it legal that they now go into my bank account and take out all of my money even though I am complying with what was ordered in court?

I live in Florida, and this case is in RI, but I have always appeared in FL courts.


Asked on 2/27/08, 7:03 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Re: Child Support Arrears

If you child support obligation was established in Rhode Island it is likely that they maintained jurisdiction over the case. It sounds like your case was sent to Florida strictly for enforcement purposes. If the Rhode Island Courts maintained jurisdiction, the Support Enforcement office there can levy against bank accounts and assets to satisfy child support. If interest and penalties were added by Rhode Island, the arrears were probably more than $25,050. The additional lien is to obtain the rest of the arrears. You may be able to get credit for all of the child support monies paid in Florida, which Rhode Island may not have credited to you. You should consult a Rhode Island attorney to address the lien. You should also consult a Florida attorney who can work with the Rhode Island attorney to ensure that you are credited with all of the payments made in Florida.

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Answered on 2/29/08, 10:08 am


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