ok here is my situation....

my son is 5 months old and i havent been back to work yet. so i have applied for money from the state(of maryland)...in other words i am on welfare...i never thought i would be one of 'those' people. but i am none the less. in order for me to recieve what i applied for i have to apply for child support from my baby's father. (i wasnt going to involve him in my baby's life at all...he still to this day hasnt seen him or been involed with him at all) but now we are set to go to court this month for a paternity test and child support.

my baby's father was diagnosed manic depressive bipolar a few years back and because of his illness he doesnt work. he recieves money from the state as well. and lives off the state. within the past 3 months he has been in and out of the psych ward of a hospital 4 times now. (his mom even says that he is crazy...he stops taking his meds and goes nuts!! my babys father's mom agrees with my decision to not have him be a part of my sons life until he gets himself straight and stays on his meds)

so my question is: when we do go to court, if he isnt working or having any REAL income (other than the state money that he recieves) is he still going to sentenced to pay child support??? does anyone know what is going to happen in my situation?????

please help...

Hi Callie try this;

http://www.marylandlawonline.com/md/family/cldsup.htm#204

"(b) Voluntarily impovrished parent.- (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, if a parent is volunarily impoverished, child support may be calculated based on a determination of potential income.
(2) A determination of potential income may not be made for a parent who:
(i) is unable to work because of a physical or mental disability; or
(ii) is caring for a child under the age of 2 years for whom the parents are jointly and severally responsible."

Apparently if he has nothing, you get nothing and they won't look at his "potential" due to his illness.

Callie,

Jaydsdad is correct and right to the point. You might want to look into welfare alittle more because there may be some extra money for spouces who are disabled or can't provide like in your sitation. I am not sure on Maryland laws but it might be a start. Also look toward WIC to help with formula and anything else you might need (WIC helps me with milk, eggs, cheese, peanut butter, beans, and juice). I wish you luck.

Glenn

I don't really know how this is going to sound... because my situation is similar, but different. Why don't you try to go back to work??? Try different resources other than your state welfare dept. There are daycare scholarship options for working and or school. You are on the internet. This is a great place to find those resources. Good Luck.
Signed,
One of "those" people