Who is obligated to pay child support?

Q: Can my ex refuse to pay child support?

No, an ex cannot refuse to pay child support if there is a court order in place. Child support obligations are legally binding, and failure to pay can result in legal consequences, including wage garnishment or other enforcement actions. If your ex refuses to pay, you may need to seek legal assistance to enforce the order.

Q: Does the government pay child support if the father doesn't?

The government does not directly pay child support if the father fails to fulfill his obligations. However, if the custodial parent is receiving public assistance, the state may step in to provide support temporarily. In such cases, the state will pursue the non-custodial parent for repayment of the assistance provided.

Full question:

Man A has been married to Woman B for 3 months. Woman B had a child by another man 5 years before the marriage. Woman B owns the home where the couple live. The Father of the child does not pay child support. What will a divorce cost? Will Man A be obligated to pay child support? What will a divorce involve?

Category: Divorce
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Alabama

Answer:

Unless Man A has adopted the child or otherwise agreed to support the child, there should be no duty for him to pay child support in any State. The Father of the child does have an obligation to pay child support and may be obligated for back support. Assuming there is no other joint property, the divorce should be a simple divorce with little or no transfers or payments between Man A and Woman B. If there is joint property or other property acquired during the marriage the property will be divided either by agreement of the parties or the Court. Assuming the parties agree to a divorce, the division of property and other obligations can be determined by them in this situation. The cost of the divorce will vary depending on the State and the process used but should not be very expensive.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

What if a married man has a child with another woman?

If a married man has a child with another woman, he may have legal obligations to support that child, depending on paternity and state laws. If he is the biological father, he may be required to pay child support, regardless of his marital status. The child's mother can seek child support through the court. Additionally, the husband may face complications in his marriage, including potential divorce proceedings.

What is the minimum a father has to pay for child support?

The minimum amount a father must pay for child support varies by state and is typically determined by state guidelines that consider factors like income, the number of children, and custody arrangements. Courts use these guidelines to ensure that child support is fair and meets the child's needs. It's essential to consult local laws for specific amounts.

Can my ex refuse to pay child support?

Does the state pay child support if the father doesn't?

Generally, the state does not pay child support if the biological father fails to do so. However, some states may provide temporary assistance to the custodial parent through welfare programs, but they will typically seek reimbursement from the non-paying parent. The responsibility for child support lies primarily with the biological parent.

Does the government pay child support if the father doesn't?

What happens if you are married and have a child with someone else?

If you are married and have a child with someone else, the situation can lead to complex legal issues, including potential divorce and custody disputes. The biological father may be required to pay child support, while the marital relationship may be affected significantly. It’s advisable to seek legal counsel to navigate these challenges.