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Child Support
The Family Law Unit has a mission to improve the safety and well-being of children. One way
we do that is to advocate for low-income families in the area of child support. GBLS represents
primarily victims of domestic violence who are custodial parents in their child support cases. In
addition, our advocates seek to make positive changes in the child support system.
What We Do:
● Provide free legal assistance for child support hearings and appeals
● Provide information and training to advocates on child support issues
● Represent clients before the state legislature to improve child
support laws
● Work with the courts, child support enforcement agencies, bar associations, and
other organizations to protect the rights of our clients
Types of Child Support Cases Handled:
● establish new child support orders - click here to calculate an estimated child support
order
● modify outdated or low existing orders
● defend against a non-custodial parent’s efforts to reduce child support
● enforce existing child support orders, and
● resolve disputes with the Department of Revenue/Child Support Enforcement
Unit (DOR).
Major Projects:
The E$CAPE Project (Economic Support for Children in Abuse Prevention
Proceedings) addresses the need for immediate financial support for victims of
domestic violence who obtain restraining orders against the other parent of their
child(ren). Although the law allows it, victims are routinely discouraged from
seeking child support as part of a restraining order, particularly in district courts.
The E$CAPE Project advocates on behalf of its clients in the courts
and with other agencies that assist victims of abuse to increase the
provision of child support as part of restraining orders.
To apply for Legal Assistance, click here.
August 21, 2002
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