I left my husband in Cebu when I found out about him and a very close family friend (wife of his first degree cousin). That was 7 years ago. I tried to reach out to him for support but to no avail. He blocked me in social media so there's no way for us to reach him. He also changes number everytime I am able to call him. Can I still file for child support? What are the steps to be taken for me to start filing? Your answer means a lot. Thank you.
What are the steps needed to file for child support?
Atty. Bimbi
is a Legal expert
in the Philippines
To file for child support, you must at least know your husband's last known address. Then, you have to go to a lawyer and ask the lawyer for advice. Kasi, if you file for support, you must allege where your husband works and how much he makes each month. This will form the basis of the sum that you will ask for support.
If you are in Manila and not Cebu, you will have a difficult time because your husband is in Cebu. So, you must go back to Cebu and file the case there, if you want to get anywhere.
Ask your lawyer if you can file a criminal case against your husband as well. Under the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children (RA 9262) a husband who refuses to support his children is committing acts of child abuse. Ask your lawyer if it is possible to run after your husband in this way.
Be prepared for war -- if you have receipts for your child's tuition fees, his doctor's fees, etc. that can also form the basis for the amount that you can claim. You need a lawyer. You cannot do this alone. You will need a lawyer. If you do not know of any lawyer, you can go to the Public Attorney's Office (but you need to prove indigency). You can also go to the UP College of Law Office of Legal Aid. If you meet their requirements, you can also get legal services there. You can also go to the Intergrated Bar of the Philippines or the Free Legal Assistance Group.
If you are in Manila and not Cebu, you will have a difficult time because your husband is in Cebu. So, you must go back to Cebu and file the case there, if you want to get anywhere.
Ask your lawyer if you can file a criminal case against your husband as well. Under the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children (RA 9262) a husband who refuses to support his children is committing acts of child abuse. Ask your lawyer if it is possible to run after your husband in this way.
Be prepared for war -- if you have receipts for your child's tuition fees, his doctor's fees, etc. that can also form the basis for the amount that you can claim. You need a lawyer. You cannot do this alone. You will need a lawyer. If you do not know of any lawyer, you can go to the Public Attorney's Office (but you need to prove indigency). You can also go to the UP College of Law Office of Legal Aid. If you meet their requirements, you can also get legal services there. You can also go to the Intergrated Bar of the Philippines or the Free Legal Assistance Group.
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