Child Support Taken from Shared Checking Account

My question involves child support in the State of: PA

Two weeks ago I received a notice that my ex has filed for child support for my youngest child. This was filed back in January. (They reside in PA). I just received the notice, like I said, two weeks ago. (I reside in WV). To give some insight of what has been going on, my ex had placed a protection order on me for 2 1/2 years. I was not able to see or speak to my children. (No child support was ordered during that time). The protection order expired the end of November 2013. I still have yet to get in contact with my children because of her. I am now married. I am also on social security disability. I do know that the custodial parent will need to apply for child benefits with the social security administration to receive money from my account. My concern is in regards to my wife. We have a joint checking account, and she files her income tax married filing jointly. She's been told that because we share a checking account, her money can be taken. And the child support people can also touch her tax refund because we are married. I need to know if this is true. This is not her child, and she is not responsible to financially provide for him. I am. And I don't think it would be right nor fair for them to take her money. My other concern is that my son is 15. And I found out that he is now a father. I'm not sure of the laws in PA for minors with children. Since he is now a parent himself, could I still be forced to pay child support? Is he considered emancipated? Don't get me wrong, I will do what I have to do to help take care of my son. BUT! I don't feel I should have to pay to take care of his child if that is what this child support money my ex is wanting is going to be intended for. If anyone has any answers, that would be a big help. Thank you and I look forward to getting some insight of this.

In no state does a minor having a child emancipate that minor. However, you are not responsible for supporting your son's child. He is responsible for supporting his child. You are responsible for supporting your child.

Thank you. I wasn't sure about that. Would you happen to know if the child support people can rightfully take my wife's money since we share a checking account as well as her tax refunds? Thank you again for your help.

Yes and yes. They can attach anything with your name on it.

The tax refund, she may be able to rectify - read this: http://www.irs.gov/uac/Seven-Facts-a...-Spouse-Relief

The bank account though? Unless the funds are exempted by law (and it doesn't sound as if that's the case), it's up for grabs.

If you are on SSDI, the logical thing would be to ask the court to accept the childs SSDI benefit in lieu of child support from you.