Need Advise - Houston,TX

I just went through a custody battle with my ex-husband over our daughter. My advise for you is to lay all of this out with your attorney (assuming that you have one) because any order that is established through the court can include specifics like who pays for what. It's messy stuff, but sometimes it helps having the court to back you up when he won't pay. However, these battles can get very ugly, especially when children are involved, so think about that before you take any action.

I would check with people that you trust, mabey someone works nights and you could switch off with them with babysitting, you watch their kids at night and they watch yours during the day.
Ask your church if they could help temporary.

D.

I agree with everyone else..find yourself a lawyer and fast. Most judges will rule in your favor especially if he's been paying child care. They will make him continue to pay for it, also why are you left with all the bills??????? That's insane, please tell me you didnt agree to that...im sorry but he is a sorry you know what!!!! So football is more important than his son's childcare WTF!!! Don't feel bad seems like you are better without him, and Im sure you will find someone in the future that will be there for you and your kids.

God Bless

Go to your attorney and let him know what you need. If your husband has always paid childcare there is no reason why he can't still pay. I don't know what state you live in but each state has specific rules on child support. Let your attorney Convey to the courts what your needs are regarding your children. The judge will probably do what ever the state allows in regards to what your ex's income is. Unless you are in nursing or something close to that there is no such thing as a stable job. You would also be amazed what you can get help with. How old is your son? There are programs like Headstart which excepts children at the age of three. These programs are free. And you should qualify. Check locally and see what you can find. The Program in my local community is under an umbrella program known as Crowley's Ridge Development Council. It heads up other government programs. These programs help to prepare your child for social and educational needs. Good luck with your outcome

Why are you left with all the bills? Why does he get to go off to a football game with community property, ie. money made during the marriage? This is not fair and any attorney would fight for what's fair. In most cases, 50/50...split the bills, split the debt, split the retirement, funds, equity in the home, etc. Anything y'all are earning, aquiring or going into debt over while still married is community property. Have you been separated for a while? A lot of things you can agree on and get settled outside of court, but the end result must go through the court system and get the district attorney's seal of approval...so to speak. If you're in the Katy area, I can recommend an attorney or two.
You can't make him pay, but court can. You want/need child support? I'm assuming you have custody. Go for that as well. You're caught between a rock and a hard place. It's going to cost you money to fight for what you deserve unless you petition on your own through the court. It can be done. The internet is a very useful tool. You'll just have to pay filing fees. Good luck.

File for child support. I think it is pretty easy but does take some time to go thru. I am in the process right now. The phone number for Washington county child support is ###-###-####. Call them and explain your situation. Good Luck. Men are stupid!

Try Lone Star Legal Aid they have a 1800 number that you can get from the DHS office they also have this number for Galveston.
###-###-####
I'm not sure if they can help you, but they may be able to refure you to some one that can. Sorry I couldn't be of more help to you.
S.
P.S.
sorry about my spelling.

I'm a former Elementary Teacher. When I was teaching, there were after school programs at the school for people in your situation. Contact the school for help. The school counseler would be a good place to ask about help for both children.

You may also want to ask at your church for help with both.

Good Luck!

What a terrible situation! I hope you have contacted the attorney general for child support.

Call your attorney immediately. Your husband has a legal responsibility to provide for his children. The courts in Texas take this obligation very seriously. I saw that you are in Houston. If you do not have an attorney, contact the Houston Bar Association tomorrow. They have a free referral service. Most attorneys will provide a free initial consultation. You may be able to set up a payment plan for their services.

I have a friend who practices family law. If you want to e-mail me directly, I would be happy to give you her information. You should not try to handle this on your own - let someone professional help you. Obviously, your ex is not going to make the effort to provide for his children without the right motivation. Hang in there - I know there is nothing worse than worrying about your children and their care while you are at work. I will keep you in my prayers.

I agree with all those below. Seek legal help, contact a church, ask the school counselor, get the ball rolling for child support and when you do get with a lawyer, inquire about alamony if he was making more money than you. Read every word of your court papers before signing, understand them before signing. I wonder if there is a possiblity of an appeal or an amendment to the order? It would be worth looking into if you have already signed those documents.
Good luck, you're not alone.
I've been jipped by the legal system myself, but won't let it keep me down.