Child Support Help - Myths And Facts Explained
Going after child support can be a daunting task for a single mother. Not only is the legal system complex and frightening, those who work in the area of child support help are often overwhelmed and overworked - leading to slow communication and a feeling that you don't have anyone on your side in the ongoing financial battle.
Keep in mind the reasons you are going after child support! Your children need to have financial support, and you should not have to do that alone. Navigating the murky waters of the child support system can be a difficult task, but your child is depending upon you to dive in and make an effort.
There are a few myths regarding child support that are damaging to single mothers. Here are a few of those myths - and the facts that dispel them!
Myth: He claims he's not working, and so he doesn't owe child support.False! If a court has ordered a judgment for child support, that person is responsible for the payments, regardless of whether or not they have any income to claim. The amount owed will add up, and once they do get a job, they will be responsible for back payments as well as current ones.
Myth: I make enough money to sustain my family, so he is off the hook.Wrong! It doesn't matter how much money you make - the father of the child has a responsibility to that child, and it can't be washed away simply because you have a healthy bank account. He might not have to pay as much child support, but he will be required to pay something.
Myth: If he pays child support, the court will award him visitation - and my kids don't want to see him.This is not always the case. If there is a valid, compelling reason why this man should not have contact with his children - in cases of sexual abuse, for instance - then the court will not require that he be allowed visitation. However, that does not absolve the father from paying child support. Giving financial help to his child does not automatically mean he is getting visitation - paying child support does not "entitle" him to that.
Myth: I can't collect back child support because my children are now over the age of eighteen.That's not true! Back child support under a court order is due and payable, no matter the age of the children. Child support cases can be collected decades after the children are out of the home and have families of their own. If there is a judgment in place and the court can find the deadbeat dad, you can still collect the child support owed from years past. Sometimes the money will not go to you, but will go directly to your adult children.
The laws in every state vary, so be sure to check with your child support office about what you can do for your children and their financial well-being. Don't fall victim to the myths that will keep you from collecting the child support your children deserve!
