What do I need to do when I have to go to court?
Before you go to court, you will receive some paperwork including a financial disclosure form. This form indicates the information that is required when you go to court. In addition, you will need to provide:
- A current paycheck stub
- A copy of your most recently filed state and federal tax returns
If you're self-employed, you should also be prepared to provide past income tax returns, corporate business or partnership books and records, and receipts for expenses
If you know you will be unable to attend the hearing if you're living out of state, or other valid reason, but would like to give testimony, you may apply to the court to provide testimony by telephone. You must apply several days in advance of the court date. For more information on this option, go to the Unified Court System website at: www.nycourts.gov/forms/familycourt/childsupport.shtml
Most importantly, you should know that if you don't appear in court, the court can still order you to pay child support. By not appearing, you may receive a child support order that may not be based on your current financial situation.
For more information on how a child support order is established, see the Support Establishment topic in Module 1.