I've set a contempt hearing for next month because my ex owes a lot of back child support and the child will turn 18 in September. Should I try and get a judgment at the contempt hearing? Or later? Also, if my ex leaves the state first, can I get a judgment in his absence? Thank you!

Are you the one collecting the child support or is this something done through the state? Why hasn't this been brought to the courts attentin before this time?