How Do I Modify An Incorrect Child Support Order?

by Christian Brakke
(Huntsville, Alabama)

My wife and I recently went through a divorce. I could not afford to hire an attorney. My wife could and did. I went through a bankruptcy in 2007 and lost everything. My credit is kaput. I lost my family business. We moved twice and I went through 3 sales jobs before getting let go earlier this year. I left my wife and children late last year and had to go on anti-depressants. I suffer from bouts of depression. Losing my job did not help. I gave my wife money when I could. I let her keep everything in the divorce. I wanted her and our twins to have a good life. I was served with a petition for divorce but did not fully read it. I took a job driving a truck in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

I was away in training and missed the hearing. Naturally, I got screwed. My wife overstated my income by more than 100% to the judge. She also claimed "health issues". She has a college degree and was working when I met her. She has a pension. She has a home. I am homeless and living in a truck. I live on food stamps. I have no credit and no money. Now the court is taking 75% of my income. The lawyers I have spoken to all want $2500.00 to $5000.00 to even talk to me. I don't have it. I am desperately trying to figure out how to file a request for modification of an unjust order that leaves me with nothing. I have hit a wall. I just want the support to be fair.