I am still legally married yet live in seperate residences. Is it legal to be forced to pay child support even though we are not divorced?
Optional Information: State/Country relating to question: Missouri Already Tried: Our divorced was dismissed by the court in July of 2011. We are still married. How is this possible. Is it legal to be required to pay child support for the minor child? Paternity has not be established yet Missouri DSS has stepped in and has issued an order for me to pay child support.
Thank you for your question and for using JA. Please click accept so I will receive credit from JA for my time.Yes you can be ordered to pay child support since you are not living in the same household. If you have a question about paternity, then you can file a petition in court to force a DNA test to determine if you are the biological father or not. However, even if you are not the biological father, you may still have to pay child support if you are on the birth certificate.
Experience: Practicing family law attorney
Does this mean the state of missouri's social services has the same authority as a judge? My child support was not issued by a judge. It was issued by the Missouri DSS. Does the MO DSS office have the same power as an order issued by a judge?
Yes they do. If you feel that they have set it too high, you can request a hearing. You can figure it yourself athttp://www.teamlex.com/Areas/form14.htm