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Topic: **Need advice!! US Child support issue, Living in the UK  (Read 1254 times)

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**Need advice!! US Child support issue, Living in the UK
« on: January 10, 2012, 04:57:57 PM »
Hello everyone!

My son (now 10 years old) and I moved to the UK to live with DH in February 2008. 

Son't father has been paying child support regularly for many years and it's never been a problem. 
Received a letter from him today stating that he will no longer pay support. 
He obviously gave his permission for me to bring our son here 3 years ago, as we are both residing here with indefinite leave to remain and plan on applying for citizenship in the next year.

There has never been a support order through the court as there has never been an issue until now.

My question is: Where do I go from here? 
I have to figure out a way to get a support order put in place. 

We live in Poole, Dorset. 
Son's father lives in Berks County, Pennsylvania. 
I am not currently working, as DH works extremely hard to support us and I am a stay at home mom for our 16 month old.

I did call Domestic relations in the county, in PA, where I used to live and they weren't sure what I should do as it is an inter-country issue. 
He did suggest that I contact someone in the Child Support Agency here in the UK to see if they can help.  Is this the right thing to do?
I have read on one of these threads that the US-UK have an agreement to uphold each other's child support cases, but how do you go about putting one in place if there isn't one already?

I just have this horrible sinking feeling that I am about to go on a horrible roller coaster ride of support issues that I am not really up for.

If anyone could help and point me in the right direction I would be most grateful.
Has anyone else been in this position?
Who should I call first?

Please let me know if you need any further information, or if there are any threads that I missed that include the same or similar issues.
Thanks for your help!!
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Re: **Need advice!! US Child support issue, Living in the UK
« Reply #1 on: January 10, 2012, 05:53:37 PM »
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Re: **Need advice!! US Child support issue, Living in the UK
« Reply #2 on: January 10, 2012, 06:18:26 PM »
There is a reciprocating agreement between the US and UK regarding child support. I suspect a nicely worded letter from a lawyer to your ex might be all that is required to get him back in line. But you NEED to have an agreement in writing with him, too.

The British child support system is different. If I'm not mistaken, your new DH's income may be a factor; it's not in the US. So if I'm correct (and I'm pretty sure I am), I personally would try to sort things out with him using US standards.
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Re: **Need advice!! US Child support issue, Living in the UK
« Reply #3 on: January 10, 2012, 06:45:58 PM »
Years ago, I attempted an inter-state child support modification through the Uniform Interstate Child Support Act.  Two years later, I threw my hands up in the air and did it myself.  We were in court within 30 days.  The problem with interstate and international child support is the administration end of it.  During the process, if the father moves.. you would have to start all over again (happened to me several times).

If it were me in your situation, I would file with Berks County, PA.  http://www.co.berks.pa.us/Dept/Courts/DRS/Pages/FormsFilingRequirements.aspx There has to be a child support order in place.  Jurisdiction has to be established.  With the father living in Berks County, PA., it is my opinion that this would be your quickest way of collecting support.  *Note-- I am not a lawyer and I am not giving legal advice here.. just personal advice.* 

According to their website, you may be able to handle your end of the proceedings through a conference call http://www.co.berks.pa.us/Dept/Courts/DRS/Documents/telecon.pdf

If you hire an attorney, you would still need an Order for Child Support to be entered into the court.  Until you have that, he is within the law. 

FAQ's here  https://www.humanservices.state.pa.us/csws/CSWS_controller.aspx?SelectionIdBottom=4&PageId=CSWS/faq.ascx&drNav=|

I hope you get it sorted soon.
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Re: **Need advice!! US Child support issue, Living in the UK
« Reply #4 on: January 10, 2012, 07:52:43 PM »
Hi, I live in Poole Dorset and I am from Delaware County, PA. 

No advice, I'm afraid, on the legal issue but -
next time I go back over do you want me to look him up and kick his a** for you?

I feel a connection to you because of where you are and where you came from and I am a Grandmother.  So that gives me Kicking a** rights, I believe!

Seriously thogh, I hope you get it sorted.  What do you think has changed on his side to cause him to stop the financial support?
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