questions about deadbeat dad laws

[grasswire]

No, I am not a deadbeat dad nor a custodial parent. But I know someone who is having a lot of trouble right now and need some general info.

Briefly: he lost his job unexpectedly and was behind in the support. The ex filed a complaint with the court for non-payment. He did not receive the subpoena because he was away looking for work (his roomate accepted the subpoena in his absence), and missed the hearing by an hour (he would have asked for a continuance so he could straighten things out). The court ordered him to pay an impossibly HUGE amount of money within 30 days or face arrest. He sold his car, lost his apartment, and is in a real bind trying to keep from being in a homeless shelter. He has had excellent job interviews in the works and that's just a matter of a little time.

Questions:

1. Because this is a criminal matter now, is he entitled to a public defender?

2. Does the ex have any leeway in the matter now that the court has issued an order? Could she suspend the matter if he is working and has the support deducted from paycheck directly to support? Or does the process roll on with no flexibility now?

Note: the jurisdiction is Maine.

TIA for any thoughts or links anyone can give. Note, not asking legal advice, just procedural info.

[ultrabrown]

1. Anyone is entitled to a free lawyer

I am not an expert in the matter, but it's my hunch. I would consult a lawyer.