Child support after age 18

[hsimon]

My father never paid my mother support. I am now 36 years old, but in my state there is no statue of limitations. There was at one point a case opened, but with no computer tech. in the 70's it may be hard to locate the case. i know the court where we went. I see my son's father and my husband pay their dues, and I think my dead beat of a father should have to pay his. Any suggestions.

[Dad2]

On a personal level, I'd say just let it go.
You're not going to feel any different about your father if he has to pay any arrearages
Legally, the only way you could POSSIBLY get any money out of this man, is if there is an arrearage on file.
And even then, it would have a hefty amount, as I'm sure you will need to incur legal aid.

[Mr. Knowitall]

Without knowing your state, you can't get a firm answer. In most states the child support debt would be to your mother, and you would have no right to collect it. In all states it will depend upon the existence of a court order for support and your ability to document an arrearage.

[Xena]

My father never paid my mother support. I am now 36 years old, but in my state there is no statue of limitations. There was at one point a case opened, but with no computer tech. in the 70's it may be hard to locate the case. i know the court where we went. I see my son's father and my husband pay their dues, and I think my dead beat of a father should have to pay his. Any suggestions.

I agree with Dad2, you should let this go. First, the money is owed to your mother, not you. Second, the only way that she would be able to collect is if there was a valid court order. Second, even if there was an order if your father were to hire an attorney he could easily use the defenses of laches, meaning that your mom should have enforced the order many many years ago, didn't and now might be barred from enforcing the order.

All the way around it's probably better just to let it go. You can always talk to your mom about it and let her decide if she wants to pursue it.