Child Support Obligations in Connecticut: Protecting Your Financial Future

Question
My fiance owes back and current child support and i was wondering will i be responsible as well to pay these monthly payments? Meaning will they go on my credit report and be my responsibility/debt? Also If i file income taxes seperately can they take my tax refund? If i sign a pre-nup will that cover me from being responsible for his arrearage and current? We live in the state of Connecticut and will probably be moving to either Georgia or North Carolina. Thanks for any help u can offer.

Answer
Hi Lisa~

No are NOT responsible for anything having to do with HIS child including child support.  That's solely his responsibility.  The state can't come after you for any money, period.  Your income has absolutely nothing to do with him whatsoever, and it's not taken into consideration in the current amount of child support he already pays.  So no worries there, no have no legal obligation to a child of someone else.  

It can't/won't go on your credit report.  It nothing to do with you, period.  

One word of advice though that I would give you, do NOT ever file joint taxes with him.  I'd file married (when you marry him) but filing separately.  This way the state can't take the refund.  Let me explain why.  Since he's behind in CS the state can legally garnish and take any tax refunds that he has in his name (including in both your names IF you both file married and together).  HOWEVER! You could contest this and the state HAS to give you back your portion of the tax refund, as they aren't entitled to it b/c the child isn't your responsibility only your soon-to-be husband's.  Make sense?  So in order to avoid this mess and this happening--all you have to do it file taxes separately.  You do not have to sign a prenup or any other form of paperwork.  Again you're NOT legally responsible for his child, child support or anything regarding the child and paying for things for the child.  This is the same in all states, for the specific purpose of protecting a persons legal rights in your situation.  If you have any further questions please feel free to ask.