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Do we have to be divorced before I can file for some kind of child support?
Q) My sons father and I have been separated ,not legally, six months after my son was born, he’s two and a half now. Do we have to be divorced before I can file for some kind of support? I need help.
A) The custodial parent doesn’t have to file for divorce before beginning a child support case. If you and your spouse aren’t ready to initiate a divorce yet, the custodial parent may file a complaint or petition with the court to establish a child support order. Your state’s child support enforcement agency or local prosecutor may offer assistance with filing this complaint. Child support is not typically retroactive to the date of separation, so the earlier you file, the more money you can receive. http://info.legalzoom.com/can-child-support-im-not-divorced-yet-23933.html
Your child support payments can be changed only by a court’s modification order. The modification process can increase or decrease payments. The ways you can lower child support payments will vary by circumstance. You will need to convince a court that the financial situation of one or both of the parents has changed substantially generally. To lower your payments, you will need to file a motion in court to modify your child support payments. Most courts have pre-printed “fill in the blank” motion forms You will need to file this motion in the court that issued the initial child support order.