Message ANY HELP IS MUCH APPRECIATED ASAP!!! was posted by Shay, on 5/4/2009 12:24:13 AM.

OK... so this is a long story, but here it goes: I just received papers from DCS last week designating me as the non-custodial parent of my 10YO son & stating that my son's mother is now seeking child support for him.

The thing is: Until now, we have been on good terms & lived as an unmarried couple with our son for more than 8 of his nearly 10 years. When we decided to call things off due to personal reasons in 2/08, she moved 2 miles from me & we have agreeably shared fairly equal residential time w/our son; however, he has consistently spent more time with me in the past 15 months (which I have tracked on a calendar for just this reason) without any significant issues or court order in his regard.

Recently, however, she became upset with me for claiming our son on my 2008 tax return & I believe she retaliated by applying for child support. Not to mention the fact that she has more than overextended herself with a number of creditors which have subsequently wound up in collections. Upon splitting up, we also agreed to share equal financial responsibility for our son, but that hasn't been the case... I currently pay for his daycare, medical coverage, school lunches, activities, etc. & have been for the past year. I have even loaned her money for bills, food, etc. on occasion.

With that being said, I don't make a whole lot of money (under $40K)... but it equates to about 1/3 more than her per year. Anyway, now that the gloves are off, so to speak, I'm just curious how I should handle things & have many questions:

Since I am, by definition, obviously NOT my son's non-custodial parent, am I able to (or should I) apply for child support as well? Also, would it be a good idea for me at this point to file a petition with the local court for them to adopt a residential schedule of my design & request that they calculate support payments? (Because in talking with DCS, they are planning to calculate payments as if my son does not spend any significant time with me.) Or should I see a lawyer about seeking custody of my son? Because I definitely do not want to me referred to as the NON-CUSTODIAL parent.

I just have my son's best interests at heart & want to be proactive, & need some advice FAST... ANY HELP IS MUCH APPRECIATED ASAP!!!
Also, I am in the Tacoma (Pierce County) area so any & all attorney referrals are also welcome & encouraged.
Thanks for listening, #1 DAD

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