Hi, so my question is, if you wanted to do child custody, not married so just child custody, how hard is it to do paperwork yourself? I found a place that does it but charges 225.00, not included filling fee. So to save money, she says she provides paperwork, and I have to fill it out, but that she will type it up for 75.00. My question is, for the child support, how do I figure that out on my own? I am in Boise ID. Has anyone ever done this, and how did you do it? Any websites that help? All and any info would be great, thanks
We have never had to pay to get child support. It has always been done through child support enforcement. They just do it for you. If this is them then I would think it would be well worth the cost. If you are lower income they will do it for free.
I'm sure there is a formula that your state uses to figure out child support. You can probably get that on line. Also, here in California we can get all court forms on a website called accesslaw.com. Check to see if you have some sort of legal forms website in your state. If you do, you can fill out the papers on line. Our website doesn't allow you to save the forms, so you have to print them out after you complete them. They are generally pretty easy. But here in California. since you weren't married. you would have to have paternity established and the child support issue is decided in the paternity action. So rather than looking for child support forms,. look for paternity forms. Also. check with your courthouse. We have a Family Law Facilitator who is a court employee who helps with the paperwork for free. Finally, I don't know what your financial situation is, but there is probably an application to waive the costs if you need that. Good luck!
My state has a set formula that the courts use to figure child support - i.e. 14% of adjusted income for one child, etc.
So check with your state first - do a web search on child support laws in your state, and see if there are any minimum standards as law - you don't want to ask for less than the law would require. Also, before you pay anyone - see if the state provides templates for free.
I found these sites
http://www.isc.idaho.gov/Idaho_ChildSupport_Guidelines.pdf
http://www.courtselfhelp.idaho.gov/
Also, think about a contingency plan is the child's father wants to contest the support - then you may need an attorney. Check with your state or counties legal aide department. Also, some state's Department of Human Services will help with filing.
And don't short change yourself. Research and educate yourself on the laws before making a request. :)
Good luck
If you go through the division of child support (or your equivalent there in ID) they have a formula (which you should be able to access on your own). Of course if you agree on an amount, the formula doesn't matter. The division will do it for you.
Go to the Attorney Generals Child Support Division website in your state. That should give you an idea of the process. You can call and talk to them about what steps to take. Also, call the county courthouse, county clerk where you live and ask what is required, what the filing fee is, and where you can get the forms.
There are lots of websites for guidelines to CS in your state. Perhaps you and the baby's father could come to agreement on both issues and have someone put your agreement in writing! Good luck
Go to your public library if you do not have access to a computer. The forms "she" wants to charge you $75 for are most likely on-line FREE.
