Do I need to settle for basic child support of $1200 a month when I can prove my ex committed fraud and makes over $250k a year?

Q: My ex is underreporting income under LLC to pay less child support. I have proof to provide to the judge for trial date on July 16th but I can’t afford my attorney anymore. My ex offered to pay $1600 a month based on last year’s salary as a teacher but only if he could claim our son on his taxes every other year. He conveniently asked for extension to file taxes this year. Under his LLC he pays himself $50K a year and used our ten year old son as his employee. He also has ten investment properties all rented out. He’s a real estate agent and sold over $1M this year but will only claim he made $50K. I declined his $1600 a month for $1200 instead in order for him not to use my son on his taxes as an employee.

A: First, I recommend that you shop around – there are many lawyers our there who may be able to adjust their fees – and/or file a motion to force the father to pay a portion of your fees. Second, any attorney would need to review your evidence to be able to gage your likelihood of success at trial. As such, I recommend you call a Westchester Child Support Attorney to schedule a consult for a full assessment.