Question:
Can my ex-wife use child support money to pay for her lawyer to argue against my petition for custody? Obviously, this money is fungible but at some point my children’s standard of living will be lowered due to lawyer bills. If she can’t, what should I do?
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Answer:
I am frequently asked as a Albany Family Law Attorney if a parent can use child support money for legal aid. NY state does not allow you to seek an accounting for how child support monies are being spent. If you have filed a Petition seeking custody, she has the right to obtain counsel and may do so. She can use any resources that she has to pay for that attorney. If your incomes vary considerably, she can also ask for an award of attorney’s fees.
If your child support money is being spend on other things, contact the experienced Albany Family Law Attorneys at Jean Mahserjian to fight for you.
This legal question was provided by a Avvo and answered by Jean Mahserjian an experienced Albany Family Law Attorney. This does not consent an attorney client relationship.
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