What do I do when my soon to be ex-spouse does not agree to pay child support?

There are a couple of questions you might be actually asking. If it is: "How can I make him sign the joint petition calling for child support?" The short answer is "you can't."  If you are talking to him, you might want to tell him that the judges will not (or at least SHOULD not) approve the paperwork if you tried to submit a joint petition WITHOUT providing for child support by the non-custodial parent, there being a specific statute prohibiting them from doing so.  See: http://willicklawgroup.com/child-support/. If your question is "What is the alternative to filing a joint petition?" Then the answer is file a regular complaint for divorce, and a preliminary motion for child custody and support.  See: http://willicklawgroup.com/divorce/ http://willicklawgroup.com/preliminary-matters-and-motions/ It should like what you actually need is an in-depth consultation with a family law specialist to go over all of your issues, options, risks,, costs, and benefits.  You should do so sooner rather than later. Marshal