Child Support: 5 Key Things Every Parent Should Know

There is no magic solution to getting issues surrounding child support resolved. Most parents know that when dealing with the bureaucracy tied to the child support system persistence, persistence, persistence is the key that opens the door. In fact, it is the only thing that will open any door when it comes to getting a resolution to a problem. You cannot count on pencil pushers, or all too patient white collar "Friend of the Court" workers to help. They are overworked, underpaid, wrapped in a sea of paperwork, antiquated computer programs, and red tape that barely allows them to move from point "A" to point "B". So what's a parent to do?

1. If your relationship even remotely appears to be on the rocks and children are involved start collecting information on your partner. This is advice for both men and women. Don't fool yourself gentlemen; you too can become a custodial parent seeking child support from your partner. It may not be the norm, but it is a reality. Don't sneak around, and don't feel as though you are going behind someone's back. You have to do what is in the best interest of your children and yourself. Begin collecting bank account numbers, list of licenses, locations of stock/bond papers, money markets and past work/address history. Gather as much as you can.

2. Keep impeccable records. Write the names, addresses, phone and fax numbers to everyone you talk to concerning your child support case. You must hold people accountable and this is one way to do it. Don't ever be afraid to ask a judge or referee, attorney or the child support worker of your case who they report to at the end of the day. This will send a clear message that they will be held accountable for every word that comes out of their mouth so it better be in your best interest.

3. Parents who were married at the time of conception may not have an issue filing for a child support order and often times your divorce attorney will cover this matter in your initial interview. However if the parents are not married, establishing paternity is essential if you expect to receive child support. Paternity means fatherhood. Establishing paternity provides the child/children with a legal father.

4. Child support equals survival. Break-ups are never easy for the parents or the children. It often means that the emotional and financial standard of living for all parties will suffer. Parents must understand that child support is paid for the well being of the child and the parent caring for that child. Money is a powerful tool in this society and can be used as a weapon when it comes to child support. The duty to pay child support and the right to visit are two different issues. They are not connected in the law. In the eyes of the court the child is entitled to contact with both parents. If non-support is an issue, begin documenting the visitation and during your next visit with the judge or referee assigned to your case mention the fact that support has stopped. If you don't have an upcoming court visit, write the judge or referee assigned to your case. You can also inform your child support worker if you have one assigned, but write the judge and request a hearing to address the matter immediately.

5. There is power in the pen, or in the keyboard, depending on how you choose to communicate with the people associated with your child support case. Always, always leave a paper trail. If you send a letter, ask the postal worker to give you a confirmation, it will at least let you know when the letter has arrived. Calling child support workers or trying to get in touch with "Friend of the Court" staff is as impossible as willing the "mega millions lottery." Parent must continue to write or, drop off letters to their workers/judges, and get the name of the person you leave the letter with, along with a phone number, This is great advice for any situation, if you think someone is giving you a bogus phone number, use your cell phone or a pay phone and call the number before you leave the location. If the number is not valid go back, ask to speak to a supervisor and let them know; and take the information to court with you so it can become part of the court record. If you truly have a problem getting child support issues addressed, write your legislators and your governor, weekly if needed. The squeaky wheel get the oil, and nothing ventured, nothing gained.

About The Author

Detra D. Davis is a Consultant, and technical writer with over 20 years of experience. She writes technical and operational manuals, and works as Parent Educator teaching workshops on the importance of establishing paternity and paying child support. Detra may be reached at 313-446-0896, at www.supportingourchildren.com or by mail at J. Davis & Associates Publishing, P. O. Box 44782, Detroit, MI 48244-0782, Attention: Detra D. Davis.

Washington Post
Divorce papers reveal Hulk Hogan's net worth
The Associated Press - Sep 5, 2008
... are among the average monthly expenses for Hulk Hogan's wife, according to financial affidavits filed in the couple's impending divorce case near Tampa. ...
Hulk Hogans divorce papers show net worth 32 million Divorce Diva
Hulk Hogan Divorce Papers Indicate Net Worth at $32 Million TransWorldNews (press release)
Divorce papers reveal Hogan finances, spending Fort Mills Times
CBS 4 - Vero Beach Press-Journal (subscription)all 268 news articles

Divorce kids get cash boost
NEWS.com.au, Australia - 19 hours ago
By Glenn Milne CHILDREN displaced and emotionally wounded by their parents' divorce will get new support under measures announced by the Rudd Government. ...
$17m to ease strain of family break-ups Sydney Morning Herald
$17m boost for kids of divorce Northern Territory
all 43 news articles

New Initiative to Support Families Experiencing Separation and Divorce
MarketWatch - 21 hours ago
"This is a good day for Canadian families dealing with the painful realities of separation and divorce," said Minister Nicholson. "The Government is taking ...

Protect your personal finances during divorce
News-Sun, FL - 21 minutes ago
Divorce is often referred to as the No. 2 most stressful life event, second only to death of a spouse. And no wonder: Besides its obvious emotional impacts, ...
Protect yourself from identity theft Sun-Sentinel.com
all 2 news articles

Gay Wired
Sarah Palin’s Alleged ‘Partner’ Orders Divorce Records Sealed
Gay Wired, CA - 19 hours ago
Now, Andrew Sullivan over at The Atlantic is claiming the rumored beau’s legal team has filed an emergency order to have his divorce records sealed. ...
Video: McCain Grabs Obama's 'Change' CBS
Candidates often reflect human shortcomings AZ Central.com
Palin's path to prominence paved with paradoxical past Times-Standard
Seattle Post Intelligencer - East Valley Tribuneall 2,618 news articles

Considering A Divorce?
Corsavoo.com, France - 2 hours ago
Divorce has the definition of the dissolution of marriage the break down the ending of the marriage before either partner dies or the legal act of ending a ...

Divorce Recovery & Social Support – The 3 Things a Friend Must ...
Corsavoo.com, France - 2 hours ago
They had no children and she knew divorce was the right thing to do. She needed someone to assist her through her transition. She chose her mother. ...

Divorce Care Seminar
Pembina Valley Online, Canada - 25 minutes ago
The Winkler MB Church has been organizing a Divorce Care seminar and support group for the past three years and this year is no exception. ...

Divorce allows for proper families (1)
Times of Malta, Malta - 4 hours ago
They have no choice since we do not have a divorce law. The cohabiting family is the only 'family' for a couple where one of the partners has previously ...

Showbiz Spy
Kate Hudson's great divorce
China Daily, China - Sep 3, 2008
Kate Hudson says her divorce from Chris Robinson was the "best thing that ever happened" to her. The 'Fool's Gold' actress - who has a four-year-old son ...
Kate Hudson thinks her divorce was the best thing to happen Metro
Kate Hudson: Divorce Was Great For Us Hollyscoop
Kate Hudson Does Cosmopolitan Right Celebrity
Oneindia - Now Magazine Onlineall 98 news articles

Wind Chimes and more...

Windchimes for great gifts!

How Can Collaborative Law Be Beneficial In Your Texas Divorce?