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Poll: 43 Percent Not Paying

Expert Says Child Support Poll Results Show "Crack" in Court System

Comment s for " Article Poll: 43 Percent Not Paying" (2) (You must be logged in to answer)

Been There's comment above is so correct! the state Child Enforcement System set up to assist those who were on public assistance, so that the state could collect child support instead of paying benefits to a single parent and children, is woefully inadequate for those children who are in most need of financial assistance. Currently, states also serve individuals not on public assistance but without the resources to hire a law firm to pursue child support. I am in that category. I know, first hand, the errors, omissions, and lengthy time frame involved in trying to work with the state enforcement system. It is now almost two years and I have yet to even get my file to legal review to be eligible to be heard in court and a court order made. This situation is straight-forward, the father lives in the same town, and doesn't have to be "located." Anyone who possibly could afford an attorney should avoid the state system at every turn. The rest of us should advocate with our elected officials until something is done. This system negatively affects both the custodial and non-custodial parent, but most importantly, it is a disservice to our children. Susan in Florida http://needchildsupport.blogspot.com

by SusaninFlorida 3 Posts
Posted on 1/19/2008 2:32 PM

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Your article headline states "Expert Says Child Support Poll Results Show 'Crack' in Court System". Is this really news to anyone? Taking the advice of Brette McWhorter Sember, who is quoted as saying “You need to get the child support paid through the state enforcement agency when possible so that they can make sure it is paid,” is probably the worst decision you could ever make. These agencies are staffed - and often led - by people who believe the draconian tactics they use, to bring people to their knees - financially, emotionally and sometimes even physically - are legitimate ways to solve child support and family-related issues. Nothing could be farther from the truth and nothing could be less effective. State enforcement agencies do not recognize, care or consider what might be real solutions in your case and they will make matters worse. You would be better-advised and better-off to keep the state out of your affairs. The system is not just "cracked"... it's irreparably broken and it needs to be discarded.

by beenthere 4 Posts
Posted on 1/18/2008 11:38 PM

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