Mr. Corletta, through persistence and knowledge of the law, helped an indigent client get the amount of support which they were entitled to in Matter of F.C. v. F.K. (Mon. Co Fam. Ct., 8/18).

    In that case, Mr. Corletta represented an indigent client pro bono. The client was married to Respondent for over 20 years. The parties separated, and Respondent refused to pay support. The client was in danger of becoming a public charge. 

    The client filed a Petition for Spousal Support and Mr. Corletta took over the case from a local Volunteer Legal Services provider. Mr. Corletta promptly subpoenaed Respondent’s income records, revealing Respondent was terminated from employment for cause. At the Support Hearing, Mr. Corletta adduced testimony from Respondent regarding their extensive work experience and history, misconduct on the job, and termination for drug abuse. 

    Mr. Corletta then argued for imputation of income to increase Respondent's support obligation, based upon Respondent’s work history and being fired for misconduct. All the arguments were unopposed and were supported by the subpoenaed work records and testimony.

    The Support Magistrate inexplicably ordered a much lower amount of support than what Respondent was capable of paying. Mr. Corletta then objected to the Findings of the Magistrate, and obtained a reversal of the Magistrate’s finding on appeal. Upon remand, Mr. Corletta obtained the proper amount of support from a different Support Magistrate, which was nearly 3 times the original ruling.

    By the time the case had been completed, Mr. Corletta handled an original hearing, an appeal, and a new hearing on remand, and spent a considerable amount of time and effort. The indigent client expressed appreciation for Mr. Corletta’s tireless services.