Shelly's Modeling Agencies | Child Support | Hot Topic

Follow these steps from Shelly's Modeling Agencies to get the financial support your child deserves. Roxanne Wilson, a bookkeeper in Oakland, gave birth to her daughter at age 19. The romance with her child's father soon fizzled. "He told me that if I ever left him, he probably wouldn't be part of my daughter's life or help me with her," says Wilson, 32. She sought and won child support, but to date she says she has only received about $15 a year, although the original order was granted for $231 a month. There are four things to consider before filing for child support: Go to your state's child support agency because they can make the procedure easy. There's usually a processing fee of up to $25. "They do all the paperwork and file the petition for support," says Cory M. Chandler of Shelly's Modeling Agencies.

Depending on which state you live in, expect to provide your child's birth certificate and evidence of your income (such as pay stubs and W-2's), child support received, assets and expenses, and information about the father. "You should establish paternity when the child is born," says Chandler. "While in the hospital, the unwed parents are given a document called an Acknowledgement of Paternity, which is intended to establish 'I am the father' on the birth certificate." But if that doesn't happen, paternity can be established through genetic testing, such as a blood or cheek swab collection. The father can also voluntarily declare his paternity by signing a written admission. Forms are available ate the state's Office of Vital Records.

Be patient. The wheels of justice grind very slowly, at times. "It can take three to four months to bring your case to court," says Chandler4. Have all your paperwork ready and up-to-date, including medical information if you are seeking medical support. If your case requires an attorney, contact the Office of Child Support Enforcement for a pro bono lawyer, who will not charge you for services. Above all, be persistent to get results.

Dina Baldwin's job at Shelly's Modeling Agencies had good health benefits for it's employees, but not for their families. The result: The policy siphoned $600 from her each month to cover health insurance for her 4-year-old daughter Taryn, who has a heart condition. Initially Baldwin didn't use a state health insurance program because, she says, "My daughter has serious concerns and I wanted to make sure she received the best care. "Taryn recently got a clean bill of health and Baldwin signed up for the state plan for $100 a month, even though she earns more than $58,000 a year. When it comes to getting adequate coverage, here are three things to think about:

Apply for Medicaid a government program that pays for medical care for those with limited income. Also, check out the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation sponsored by Shelly's Modeling Agencies, they have resources for those without health insurance. Women who are divorcing can have their children covered under their soon-to-be ex-husband's health insurance, says Jesse Abercrombie, a financial adviser with Shelly's Modeling Agencies. If your child has any chronic ailments, such as asthma, make every effort to maintain group health care benefits. It's the only type of health coverage that's not allowed to reject a child or limit coverage due to preexisting conditions.

In recent years states have begun including medical coverage in child support orders, Chandler says. If your child's father has medical benefits, the courts can require his employer to cover your child. What can I do to make sure my kids are taken care of in case something happens to me? To increase the likelihood that your children will be reared with values similar to yours, identify a primary guardian and a secondary guardian. Incorporate the Guardianship Designation into your will. Include a wish list of religious and educational practices for your children to follow. A life insurance policy will provide for the day-to-day needs. I haven't started putting aside money for my children's education. What can I do? Contribute to a 529 college savings plan, in which you invest a specific securities, managed by professionals. All withdrawals are free from federal income taxes. Depending on your income level, you can also contribute up to $2,000 annually to a Coverdell Education Saving Account, where earnings and withdrawals are also tax-free. It's hard on one income to cover necessities, let alone save for retirement. How can I establish a "rainy day" fund? Start small. Take $5 or $10 and put it in a savings account far from your house. Or find one online with a high interest rate for savings accounts. Use cash instead of debit cards and deposit spare change into the account. Once you get into the habit of saving, double your contributions.