Contempt Hearing

I have recieved letters telling me I needed to appear at such hearings and I called my case worker at the child support agency and they said it was not important for me to be there even though the paper stated I should be. All they do at these hearings is ask the person how they plan on fullfilling their obligation to pay child support. I have gone 6 months at a time without recieving child support. My ex has had several of these hearings in which he tells them where he is working, gives them a date when he will give them money, gives them the money by that date, and then I do not see another payment until he goes to another hearing. Good Luck!

I would be there if I were in your shoes, but if you are not required and it's a hardship for you...not much you can do. Can you take public trans so the parking issue goes away? Good luck. (hugs)

I understand you do not want to be there but it is for your kids. Don't you think that it looks better for you,if you go there and are able to look him in the face.The judge may let you say something on behalf of yourself and the kids. Make him feel bad for not helping support his children. If he is out of a job and has no money that is a different thing. If he is getting unemployment may be some of the money can be given to your children. I am sure you can get a sitter if you really need one. Talk to friends and family. If you can take the train or bus to the courthouse to save on parking. This is about your kids now.

Hello, D.~
As much as you don't want to, it's probably best to be there. I feel like, in my case, it made a difference to have a human component for the judge to see, rather than an attorney. In Montgomery County, they provide childcare for free. Do your best to find out what your options are. You can do this!!

Good luck,
T.

What does the papers say? You shouldn't have to be there. Is it from Domestic relations or the courthouse? Call them up, but if your represented by a lawyer they should know, are they going?

I've never gone through this but if it were me I'd want to be there to see what is going on, even to sit in the back.

K. B
mom to 5 including triplets

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Your attorney is right. You do not have to be there. But your attorney should be answering all questions you have about the process. Domestic Relations always wants you to be present because an Order can be entered in your absence. With that said, your ex is the one being looked at. My ex has had 2 contempt hearings for support and they just work out an acceptable payment plan for the arrears. In my case, I didn't care b/c the amount wasn't much, but if he owes you a lot of money, maybe you want to be there to see how much and how quickly they want him to become current to make sure that works for you. My advice is to call your attorney and get answers to all your questions. Good Luck!!!!!

K.

In Philadelphia for judge hearings, You can be available by phone even if your attorney is present in court. I am a family law attorney and you should have your lawyer explain to you what typically happens at these hearings and what he or she expects to happen at your hearing.

Hi, D.:

You need to be there. Get help from everyone you know.

Good luck. D.

Why are you seeking legal advice from a public message board when you have an attorney? Ask you attorney your questions, and if your attorney said you don't need to be there, you don't need to be there.