When is it Too Late to Get a Support Order

[c/o01]

My question involves child support in the State of: Ohio [non-custodial parent] and Florida [custodial parent]. I have filed for child support since child was three years old. Repeatedly gotten the run-around, from mystery court dates that didn't exist to closing cases erroneously due to alleged lack of cooperation.

The child is now 19 but not graduated. Father went so far as to deny paternity to child's face and insist upon a DNA test being done in 2012, which re-confirmed what was already known. Florida established paternity in April 2005. Is it possible to actually get anything done in courts at this point?

[Dogmatique]

So there was no actual child support order?

[c/o01]

No. I tried following up with both states. I had filed from the time she was 3 until age 16 and kept getting different stories. I was not receiving cash assistance, so perhaps that needed to be the catalyst. I have always had her on my insurance or Medicaid if necessary.

[Dogmatique]

Then I'm sorry, but if there's no court order you're not entitled to child support. It's too late to file now.

[aardvarc]

My question involves child support in the State of: Ohio [non-custodial parent] and Florida [custodial parent]. I have filed for child support since child was three years old. Repeatedly gotten the run-around, from mystery court dates that didn't exist to closing cases erroneously due to alleged lack of cooperation.

Was there ever an attorney involved on your side to file things like motions to compel, motions for alternative service, and things of that nature? Sixteen years is a LOT of run-around.

[c/o01]

I thought so. Thank you.

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No attorney, was intimidated by the potential costs. Actually thought the CSE would take all the information I kept providing them and actually get it done. It did for my other child with parent in Texas. I probably should have filed when I got off maternity leave and went back on duty--who knew.

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Was there ever an attorney involved on your side to file things like motions to compel, motions for alternative service, and things of that nature? Sixteen years is a LOT of run-around.

I did alot of leg work, tracking down addresses, even had his SSN. Called OH and got a story about some mysterious court date that he missed, then the file room was hit by a fire, then they couldn't find him. It was alot of run around.