questions & answers

Question: I was wondering if my ex was allowed to ask me to pay child support from the day our child was born even though we were together until he was 4? Because my credit is reporting that I have not been paying my child support and it automatically comes out of my paycheck every time. I called the courts and they are saying it is because of back child support even though I have never missed a payment, now they are taking my taxes, so the money I am supposed to get back for my son with my current wife is going to pay my "back child support" What can I do??

Answer: You will need to go to court and present evidence that you and your ex did not separate until the child was 4 years old.  You can find forms on the court's website in the self-help center to help you with your task.  Did you get served with papers when she requested back support?  Did you respond.  Your best bet is to consult with a lawyer to get advice specific to your situation.  There are 3 programs in Arizona that you can use to get some inexpensive legal advice and guidance.  One is the Modest Means Program.  For a $75.00 fee, the Modest Means Program will arrange a one hour consult with an experienced attorney.  The telephone number is (866) 637-5341. Both the Maricopa County Bar Association and the Pima County Bar Association have lawyer referral services that offer a 30 minute consult with an experienced attorney.  Maricopa County's Lawyer Referral Service offers a 30 minute consultation for a fee of $40.00. The telephone number is (602) 257-4434.  Pima County's Lawyer Referral Service offers a 30 minute consultation for a fee of $35.00.  The telephone number is (520) 623-4625.