How will I know when to ask for child support?

Answer by  jordanhammer (65)

Usually the judge decides how much the noncustodial parent will pay in child support at the divorce hearing, and if you have been separated for awhile by that time he will usually assign arrears as well, to cover the months that you weren't receiving child support. You can also call your local Social Services office for direction.

Answer by  buggy418 (632)

You should get child support continually. If your husband is refusing to support the child, then you must get an attorney and file for support. It is not your child's fault that the marriage didn't work. Nothing financially should change for the child.

Answer by  tamarawilhite (17883)

First, get all documentation as to his income and assets, including paycheck stubs and income tax returns. Then get an attorney to order child support.

Answer by  Marybeth (841)

If you have decided that you will be the primary caregiver then there is no time like the present to start making some decisions. That is his child too, you may find he wants you to take custody which will require child support, but if he wants to share custody then there is no child support.

Answer by  scyllatwo (226)

Well, since you and your husband have separated, I would say that asking for child support should be immediate. Now that the children have to send the support to two different addresses, it will take a bit longer to fill out two envelopes than if you and your husband were still occupying the same dwelling.