How to handle Ex without a Divorce Attorney

While a court appearance dealing with children and divorce can be unsettling, it should not be fretted. One can handle an ex-husband’s / ex-wife’s divorce court child support filing alone, without attorney representation.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. File your own court response, no lawyer needed! No special form is needed to file a response. A simple Word document will do. If you do need assistance, visit your county Circuit Clerk office and the representatives should be happy to assist you.

2. Be prepared. Have copies of income statements / unemployment benefits to prove earnings.

3. 
    
   Child expenses should be split equally

   Prepare copies of all of your children's medical and dental costs that should be split equally

4. Prepare copies of extra – curricular activities that should be shared expenses

5. 
    
   School expenses

   Prepare copies of school expenses (registration, books, supplies, clothes).

6. Be confident! While the ex may be asking for a reduction in child support, the judge will not change the original court order unless there has been a significant change in earnings. Even the original child support order based on ex’s salary 5 years ago, won’t change to reflect his yearly pay increases since the amount taken out falls within the child support guidelines (28 – 30%). Search the internet for a child support calculator to see if an increase / decrease is worth fighting for in court.

Tips & Warnings

• Be confident! You can do this without paying a child custody / divorce attorney. Once the paperwork is completed, it's a numbers game.
• Keep the children out of divorce proceedings.

Resources

• The Complete Guide to Protecting Your Financial Security When Getting a Divorce
• The Truth About Children and Divorce: Dealing with the Emotions So You and Your Children Can Thrive
• Do your Divorce yourself 1 2 3: Step by Step filing

[soanyway]

on 11/8/2009 Great tips....if you have a cooperating ex. Most men....well you know!