The Case
A father of two children born out of wedlock in which we represented the father. One of the children attended college, while the other had dropped out of high school. Father was relieved of his obligation to contribute to the children’s clothing costs, which he had for several years on a bi-annual basis; child support was reduced, recognizing one child as emancipated and father’s obligation to pay child support for the younger child (age 17) was limited to one year, to allow child  to obtain GED.

The Issue
Mother claimed Father was in contempt for failing to contribute to children’s clothing costs. Father filed a separate complaint for modification, requesting a reduction in child support and adjudication of emancipation of older child.

The Strategy
Diligent pursuit of Complaint for Modification and Opposition to Contempt. Contempt defense supported by meticulous documentation demonstrating Father had contributed in accordance with court order.  Modification supported with records demonstrating older child, although in college, was not dependent upon mother for support.

The Decision
Older child emancipated, found not to be dependent upon mother with whom she lived, younger child given one year to complete GED, child support reduced, retroactive to the date of filing complaint for modification.

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