Child Support

questions & answers

Question: I never signed the birth certificate. The courts have found the biological father but my wages are being garnished why is that?

Answer: No one can tell you the "why" your wages are being garnished without more information.  The court would not have authority to garnish your wages for child support unless you are the legal father of the child.  If you were married to the mother at the time the child was born, you would be presumed by the law to be the father and your name would go on the birth certificate as the father.  If there was a paternity action filed that established you as the father, you would have been legally named the father.  You may want to talk to a lawyer who can help you sort through the situation and get the garnishment stopped.  There are three programs in Arizona that you can use to get inexpensive legal advice and guidance.  One is the modest means program.  You will need to apply for the program and meet the financial qualifications.  Once you are qualified, Modest Means will send you a list of attorneys whose practice covers your area of concern.  You select a lawyer from the list and will be entitled to a one hour consultation for $75.  If you need additional help and if the lawyer agrees to take your case, the most you will be charged is $75 per hours.  the telephone number is (866) 637-5341.  Both Maricopa County and Pima County have lawyer referral programs that offer a 30 minute consult with an attorney.  Maricopa County's Lawyer Referral Service offers a 30 minute consult with an experienced attorney for $40.  The telephone number is  (602) 257-4434.  Pima County's Lawyer Referral Service offers a 30 minute attorney consult for $35.  The telephone number is (520) 623-4625.