I am behind in child support currently $1250.00 (5 months). My ex moved to Memphis last year and I am moving there in another monnth to be closer to my son. The ex has stated that he is taking me to court. I have a couple of concerns. Is there anyway to contact the courts and make them aware that I am currently unemployed but actively seeking employment. Secondly, the ex will not contact me back about how we will handle joint custody (we have joint custody through our divorce and we have an order for $250 a month through mediation that was never filed). He is filing the papers in Richmond although he knows I am moving to Memphis. I am currently staying with friends and don't have a permanent address. How can I find out if there is a court order against me and then how do I appeal to the court? Do I have to be living in the area of jurisdiction? Can he file a case against me in VA that I would have to travel back for when I will be living in TN?

The other thing is I think by the time I have a court date, I could be caught up with the payments. Ughhh.

Thanks for any help!

Hmmm, I would call and see if your ex was within his rights to move with the child in the first place. Usually, if there is joint custody, the courts frown on a parent moving the child out of state, and making it hard for the other parent to get thier visitation. Please call the court that issued the joint custody in the first place, and see if he broke a law by leaving the state with the child. This may help you in future court proceedings.

1) Unemployed by definition means you are actively searching for employment. By the time you actually go to court, you may be employed.

2) Is there a visitation order in place?

3) You may be able to call the child support enforcement and find out if there is a contempt order for non-payment. It sounds like he is currently filing for support under the mediation agreement, so I would assume there would be nothing against you presently.

4) If both of you do not live in the area, the courts may possibly do a phone conference. Once you actually have a court date, call the clerk and ask whom to speak with regarding a phone conference.

It’s not that bad, so don’t stress too much.