Question about child support

[EliciaE]

OK,

Thanks for listening and reading my first post.

I was divorced a little over 3 years ago. My ex got one child and I got one child. No child support was ordered because we shared custody of the children.

Yesterday I got a citation to appear in court and send a written answer within 20 days. The attorney general in texas has filed a suit for modification of child support order. Since my daughter is on medicaid they have filed wanting child support for my daughter.

I can not get an answer as to what a written answer is. I do not have money to employ an attorney and it looks like this is in my favor.

Can anyone tell me what a written answer is?

 

[Duranie]

Does neither parent carry any medical insurance for the kids? If one parent still depends on any form of government assistance, even though CS was not ordered, you may be stuck paying.

 

[Scooterdog]

No child support was ordered because we shared custody of the children.

The attorney general in texas has filed a suit for modification of child support order.

That must be a magic attorney "general". Is he going to make this non-existent "order" appear?

 

[Duranie]

The AG can and will order child support if government assistance or medicaid is involved.

 

[Scooterdog]

I don't think the AG has the authority to order we the people to do a damn thing. Sure, he can boss public servants around, that's it. He's no judge, just another shyster.

 

[EliciaE]

Ok let me explain it a little more.

I have a son that is 11 and he lives with the ex. My daughter is 5 and she lives with me. My ex was ordered to carry medical insurance on my son and I was ordered to carry medical insurance on my daughter. Since I am low income I qualify for medicaid and my daughter has been on medicaid for over a year.

The citiation that I received as me as a defendant as well as my ex. The State of Texas filed the suit. From the papers that I received they are asking for my ex to pay child support to me.

It is telling me that I need to file a written answer within 20 days. They are seeking child support from my ex for the support of my daughter that is in my custody.

i do not know what to do this is so freaking confusing and no money to hire an attorney. I have always been told that they are there to help me. Guess thats wrong!!!!

 

[Scooterdog]

EliciaE:

This makes a bit more sense now.

If you don't respond to the compaint, they can find you in "default" and issue a Default Judgement in favor of the state.

You can go to the clerk of courts office and get a form, fill in the blanks.

 

[EliciaE]

But I am thinking that a default judgement for the STATE of Texas would be the option that I want.

I would love for the State to make him get her on medical coverage!!

 

[Scooterdog]

Well, that's just not going to work if he goes to court and you don't.

Further, if you default, they can set any amount they want, and you won't be able to do much about it.

A default is never a good idea. But, that's all up to you.