Newly Discovered Fraud In Old Child Support Case

Location: California

My spouse (47M, disabled veteran, 100% P&T) and I (49, nonbinary) recently uncovered serious fraud and defamation tied to an old custody and child support dispute in the Bay Area. We have an adult child (my stepchild) from that relationship. I help my spouse with ADLs. He hasn't been fit to work for well over a decade. Very decent man in every way.

After reviewing a large box of files, I confirmed through the court and DCSS that no child support order ever existed--yet money was collected through DCSS as if one did. My spouse’s ex (40s F) and her mother misrepresented sole custody and homelessness to obtain welfare and support, apparently with help from a county social worker who fabricated evidence. They filed claims against my spouse using a false name and address based on a nonexistent court order. Spouse was aware of the collections accruing but never officially served notice.

When my spouse protested years ago, he was literally dismissed as “crazy". A judge ordered him into treatment. He was committed at an inpatient VA hospital, and branded an unfit parent. This destroyed his parental relationship and reputation for 18 years. Family members then repeated these lies: his father cut off financial support after hearing them (leading to eviction), his brother echoed the same accusations in inheritance disputes just last week.

While sorting through paperwork preparing for an upcoming relocation, discovered an enormous papertrail. I found proof of no custody order, DCSS ledgers, VA records, eviction records, and a pile of incriminating emails tying the scheme together. Basically a smoking gun. Family members continue to repeat the same falsehoods about spouse (and by association, me) today. I had a recent business opportunity fall through due to my own reputation damage (someone I scarcely know specifically mentioned I was married to a 'deadbeat' in the email).

We cannot afford to litigate this on our own. We need guidance on: 1. What type of lawyer(s) to approach first (civil fraud, defamation, both). 2. Whether contingency representation is realistic given the evidence and defendants’ significant assets. 3. How to preserve potential claims against the county/social worker (Tort Claims Act deadlines). 4. Practical first steps before filing.

TL;DR: We just discovered there was never a child support order, yet money was taken and lies are still being spread, destroying my disabled veteran spouse’s life and reputation.