Can a judge make a man get a job to pay child support?

Question

My bestie wants to take her child's father to court for child support. He has 4 other children and 1 more on the way (all by different women and he is married). The problem with this, is that he does not have a job. Can the judge make him get a job?

Answer 1

The judge can't force him to get a job but the judge will order support unless there are extenuating circumstances - how it gets paid is not an issue as long as it gets paid.  If it's not paid, he will eventually go to jail.  It's a great idea for your friend to file no matter what - with all the current children, it's best to get in the line before the next one is born so an order is in place - if she waits, the support order may be less if the mom-to-be beats her to court.

Answer 2

No, but he can be jailed for not paying it.

Answer 3

I feel sorry for the dude...he has to pay ridiculous amounts of money just to appease his w***e wife/girlfriend even though he wants nothing to do with them....when will these stupid women LEARN to get their OWN d**n job and raise their child with their OWN money...like EARN your money, dont leach off a man.

Answer 4

In MA

It is based on the fathers income

If he has none it can still be set at 80.00 a month

If he doesn't pay that interest will be added

If he fails to pay he will lose all assets,licenses,Fishing/hunting

Driving & Professional as well.

Bank accounts will be frozen and taken

If he still fails he can go to jail

Answer 5

I don't think so.  These child support laws are screwed up.  I know a guy who was making 6 figures a year, got a divorce and ended up blowing virtually everything he had on lawyer/courts.  He stayed unemployed for 5 years just so his ex-wife wouldn't get anything from him.  It made him live a bad life but he thought it was worth it.  Pathetic.