Shelby, don't know what laws are in your state, but child support had nothing to do with my separation status... he was gone and automatically he was liable to pay from the day he left, we did thing amicably and he paid up, but if he hadn't, I had all the right to go to the CS office, file a claim, a sheriff would serve him with papers and that was that, I didn't have to wait to speak with a L.
Now, youare retaining a L because you are expecing a legal court battle? have you talked to him about mediation... granted, it's been two weeks since he's left... don't knwo the whole story, but all might not be lost, after all, that is the purpose of this site, to gain time and try to bust the D.
Ex and I got a mediator, we each had consultations with a L (I never retained one, just paid for 2 visists) since it was an 'amicable D'. If you are short in food money and stuff I would highly recommend you talk to him and tell him you are filing for CSupport or if he wants you both figure our the amount he ought to pay through their website and he can begin paying... as far as I know, dead beat dads get their unpaid CS taken from the checks if they don't pay up.
Be not afraid...I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten Joel2
30something 2kids survivor of S, MLC, A, D I have peace in my heart, at last.
