What Are The Obligations Of An Unemployed Father To Pay Child Support?

This is a response to all the other comments on this topic. To all the people that complain about child support and how important it is, not one of you talk about the importance of a father in the child's life. All you talk about is the money. How pathetic is that. I have a child with my ex girlfriend. I did not want children, but like a lot of women she purposely stopped taking birth control. Yes, it takes two to make a baby, but when 2 intelligent people discuss means of contraception, you hope the other is honest. A woman knows her body and when she can get pregnant, there are no accidents. I have 4 sisters who never had children accidentally, and they would agree with that statement. So to all you men out there, don't buy that bs. A woman has the right to keep or terminate that child, no matter what the man says, yet, we are to be financially responsible for their choices. I am glad my son was born, and I am contradicting myself by saying that. I am glad we didnt abort, he is my life and the only reason I would want to live on this earth. I am blessed, truely. I believe in financial support, to an extent. I pay $780 per month. I also put $100 a month in savings for my son, because I can not legally dictate where any of my child support goes, even in the best interest of my child. I cover his insurance and all medical bills(he was diagnosed with Autism at 2yrs. Of age). I carry a life insurance policy for his mother and I, incase of anything. Not once has any judge, lawyer, son's mother, etc demanded that I be in my son's life. What they do demand, is that I pay the money. My son's mother does not work, is on public aid(section 8 and food card) and has 2 other children who's father(s) do not pay child support. I have no legal right to force her to go after the father(s) of her other children, while my money pays for everyone. She has a fancy cell phone, internet, cable and crab legs for dinner once a week. Who pays me when I have my son on the weekends? I have to provide a roof over his head, food, entertainment,etc. All you women think you deserve money. I would gladly take full custody of my son and I would not be on public aid, but no court would take a child from their mother, even if she is useless and a drain on society. Its an automatic assumption, that if a woman can conceive a child she is good mother. Yet, I would have to prove that I am a good father. And the only way that I am a good father in the courts eyes and society's eyes is if I stay current on child support. I realize all situations are different, I just hope that fathers(who want to), get to be in their children's life, whether they pay or not. My son's mother doesn't pay a dime for anything, but she has the joy of kissing my son goodnight every night and seeing him get up every morning. I will never have that, no matter how much I pay.

Let me enlighten some! I have been solely supporting my son for the past 14 months while my case has been wrapped up in court. Has the baby's daddy voluntarily offered anything during this time? NO! Does he get regular visitation! Yes! Try every other weekend and an overnight stay during the week. Before we even went to court I voluntarily allowed visitation to my baby's daddy for the sake of my child and my child alone even after he abandoned me in the middle of my pregnancy! Now, it's obvious that my baby's daddy wants to carry the title of father without fullfilling the responsibilities of being a father. Recently, I was informed that he refuses to carry insurance and even more recently I was informed he is no longer employed AND he has an injury to his arm! I bust my butt for my baby, the baby I didn't create on my own and cannot fathom any parent (male or female) deliberately not wanting to fullfill the basic needs of a child or to simply assist the other parent in caring for the child as it is in the best interest of the child to have BOTH parents providing for them not just ONE! So, for all you women bashers out there you need to stop and realize that there really are women doing what they have to do for their children mainly because they are forced to but also because they want to. My baby's daddy is doing a huge injustice to OUR child and one day my son will grow up and realize this but until then I will remain civil with a man that disgusts every fiber in my body!

Well ima tell you all like this... I have two kids by my first girlfriend and 1 by my wife. I messed up and signed the birth certificates of them both and the youngest isn't mine, thats what she said after we broke up. She lied in court and got false documentation from her aunt, whose daycare the kids used to go to that said she pays 800 dollars a month childcare, which isn't true at all because I used to pay it every week which was on the "family and friends discount". I let the judge and lawyer know that the papers were originally for her to get more money back on her taxes, but just like all the b.s. Court systems they didnt want to here what I had to say. The system is set up for woman to win, hands down. They also wont let me have another test to determine if the kid is mine and they wont adjust my payments. I pay 1,001 dollars a month in child support. Last year I fell behind 3,000 dollars so they put out a warrant on me. I went to the juvenile court ant paid them 4000 dols up front. I havent seen my kids since they were 5 and 3, now they are going to be 8 and 6. Since then she has had 4 more kid. I aked the court for visitation rights, they told me that they can't find her to serve her a court order, but I bet you any kind of money that she is getting the money. I live in memphis tn, and the system here sucks. I miss my kids and I love them, I still drop off there christmas toys every year and birthday gifts, but I still don't get to see them because I leave it with their grandma. I believe that a man should do all he can to protect and raise his kids, but because of the low down bull she did, I have to stuggle even harder to take care of my home, to make ends meet I have to make 4500 dols a month. Thats not fair to me or my wife. My baby mom gets my support and foodstamps and she lives in section 8 housing. Before she got with the dead beat she is with now, she was hard working and honest. Greed is a powerful drug....

You women who are crying about your husbands and boyfriends being had for child support are ridiculous. These children were here before you came into the picture. To the woman who said that women should learn to support themselves... WOW. So the child getting support from one parent is fine with you?! Get a clue!
I have an eight-month old son. My son's father has not worked in over a year. He claims that, due to the economy, he cannot find a job.
I have received about $100 from him since my son was born. The question I always ask is when someone feeds me foolishness like, “Lighten up”, “Give him time to find work” is what happens if I lose MY job? Will my bill collectors, landlord, etc. “lighten up” on me and give me time to find a job? Will I be able to party and drink while unemployed and let “someone else” worry about my son? Real men suck it up and do what they can to support their children. Tell your husband/boyfriend to do the same. And stop listening to the B.S. He's feeding you. It's just one side of the story.

If there is no income, can't a father help out in other ways???? Like, laundry,groceries, sharing more time with them? Example: Entire weekends....

I personally have a job but, pays 100% commission only. With the economy there are times when I don't received a check for over 30 days!!! Get's to the point where I don't have $$$ to go to work so I have to car pool and not eat until I get home! But then theres times it gets better and I get caught up on all of my bills and sock some away in savings. Recently things got really bad and I havent recieved a check in almost 2 months. Ex don't want me to bring food, do thier laundry, etc. (Paid by credit cards) She only wants $$$ So after depleting my savings I am now 3 weeks late on child support... Should she have the right to call me a dead beat dad??? I say a dead beat dad is someone that has the $$$ but refuses to assit in raising and neglecting their kids.... Not someone going through a rough patch and not having the funds at a pretermined time...

I am a single 26yr old mother of a 3yr old and it is hard as hell to raise a child alone,. My daughter's father is unemployed and on child support and ordered to 120mnthly and he only pays when he gets ready. The only thing that I asked was for him to help pay daycare and nothing more and he wont pay that. I'm not in a relationship and I'm not on welfare so I pay all of my bills alone. He tells me that if I take him off of CS then he would help out...he just doesnt want to pay the WHITE MAN....Not! Then he claimed that he didnt want to put the money in my hand. Let me let all of you men know....If I spend the CS money on my light bill, rent, car note, car insurance, gas, daycare, or if I wanted to get my hair done so What...bc my child lives with me, uses up electricity, rides back and forth to daycare, and eats like a grown woman at 3yrs. I am the primary care giver. I take my last and use it on my child with every paycheck so that CS check is just a lil bonus that we get when we go get it.
Noone looks at all the extra that we do for the child like waking up in the middle of the night when the child has the flu, rushing to the hospital when the child has a seizure, getting up early to drive to daycare and pic up, buying clothes for different seasons,etc. Then he had the nerve to tell me that his other 4 kids needed more that she did right now bc she's only a baby. Yea he is unemployed but he's driving a 2007 BMW, staying in a moble home w/only lot rent, house phone, cable, studio equipment bc he likes to make music but tell me that he can't pay CS bc his light bill is 400dols.  Me on the other hand had to get rid of my cable, house phone and all the thing that I can do w/o to support MY child by myself.
Excuse my but I am heated right now......The court gives a lot of slack on these men bc if I was unemployed I would still have to take care of my baby regardless on my situation and if I wasnt taking care of my child then the system would come straight to take her away.

You can only collect the NCP (non custodial parent) unemployment  check if the NCP lives in the same state as you do. Unemployment wages cannot be intercepted over state lines. I'm speaking from experience of 15+ years.

Each state has their own state minimum for child support. IF he's not working they can still issue a support order but you cannot get blood from a turnip as they say, youll most likely receive nothing unless they attach to his bank account, etc.  But, arrearages will add up. The support office can go after him,  and put all sorts of sanctions against him.

My case is interstate, and the NCP is ordered to job search at 5 locations every week and show proof, he didn't do it, I know Ill never see a dime but the support office does make his life miserable.

I am a stay-at-home mom and this is for those of you who think that child support is only demanded by moms who want to be supported and get a free ride.  That is absolutely not true!!

My ex got laid off two years ago at which time I told him not to worry about child support.  I knew it was going to be hard on him and we just put the support $ in a college fund anyway.  We have always been able to get along.  That was the last we heard from him for 1 1/2 years.  Then he shows back up on her birthday after avoiding all calls and attempts at contact.  He's mad because my husband wants to adopt my daughter.  Says that its infringing on HIS rights as a dad even though he hasn't shown any interest in those rights in over a year!  In the meantime, he has told everyone we know that I won't let him see his daughter because he can't afford to pay child support after losing his job.  He is trying to make himself look better after being a slacker.  In the meantime, my husband also got laid off and we have had to go on food stamps until one of us can find work.  WE still manage to take care of our kids and do everything we can for them.  I now watch kids in my home since we cannot afford childcare and he (at age 40) is running a paper route that brings in enough for the house payment.  

All this is just to say that no matter what the economy is like, it does not excuse you from taking care of your kids.  You do what you have to do, even if that means taking something less than your dream job or something you feel is beneath you.  Quite frankly, if you refuse to support your kids... Nothing is beneath you.

Generally, parents are obligated to continue to support their children, even if unemployed, and in the US,  federal legislation limits judicial discretion  in deviating from child support guidelines.  That said, however, courts have retained the power to modify child support awards upon a showing of substantial change of financial circumstances of either the custodial (one who has physical custody) or the non-custodial (one who does not have physical custody) parent. Other material changes could be the result of a new situation for the children), including large medical expenses, need for special education, or other unexpected expenses.

Child support payments can be modified by stipulation (an agreement in writing by both parties) between the parents if child support guidelines have been accounted for and followed, or can be modified through court hearing.

It is best to consult the laws of your state, and possibly an attorney after reviewing the guidelines.  There is no retroactive modification, so to avoid penalties and arrearages, a petition for modification should be filed as soon as the need is known.  A petition for modification must be filed with the court that retains jurisdiction (most often the court that first granted the order--but not always, if the child's state residency has changed).  Here is a link to your state's child support law guides:State Support FAQs and Guidelines in the US

It's really really simple. Do not under any circumstances have a child that you are not willing to pay for. Love and attention and playtime are so necessary. But don't think for one minute that money isn't also necessary. Kids costs money. All you whiners who complain that you pay $600 a month and mom does nothing are big fat liars. You can't support a child for $600 a month. Rent is more than that even before utilities and bills. If mom was that awful than you have failed as a parent by failing to go to court and take your kids away from her. Making sure they have a proper home is your responsibility. I'm a single mom, child support is rare and usually not enough to pay a single bill. The economy is tough right now and scraping together the $1300 a month to keep a roof over our heads before food and fun is tough. I do it. I do it because there is no one else. These dads who are unemployed need to stop whining and get a job. McDonalds is hiring. Maybe you think your children should get jobs since you don't want to support them. Your kids have needs. More than food and a roof. Baseball and movies and books and fun. Take them somewhere. Then give mom some damn help because kids cost money. If you don't want to pay invest in a puppy and some condoms. And quit whining about the mom's. She is picking up your slack. She is there twenty four hours a day. If you don't get your visits, go to court. If she isn't fit, go to court. And try saying thank you, she is the mother of your child, and  you can't place a value on a mom.

I am 38 single mom for 3 yrs now. I know that this is going to come as a shock to all of you wondering who should pay and who shouldnt.... My ex doesnt pay child support he hardly helped with the bills while we were together. I'm not going to waste one once of time or energy fighting with him about money... God is watching and what goes around comes around. I ask God for strength to keep working to provide for my son cause with my ex $ or without I have to provide for him. If my ex was dead who would give me $ ? God is just and my son will get to an age where he will see the truth and love me more knowing that I did everything for him with God will and grace and the love and support of friends. He can keep his money and put it where the sun doesnt shine, My son has not had need for anything, Thanks to God and hardwork.

All the men complaining makes me sick, and I'm a man, I can understand not having a job when you don't have a child but if you have a child there is NO EXCUSE to be unemployed for more than one month...get off your lazy ass, move somehwhere else if you have to, move out of the country I dontl care just get a job and PAY FOR your KID!!!! I pay 600 a month and I get my child 50% of the time....I got nor prob paying and if I have to move to Siberia to take care of my child I will. I despise deadbeat or unemployed dads....stop using the "economy" as an excuse....there are JOBS!!!! Get off your lazy ass and get to work...learn a new skill.....I am SICK of your losers!! That's why our country is in shambles these losers living off the state!!! And losers who don't take care of their kids

I've been reading and all of this very sad. Unfortunately there ARE women who take advantage of child support. For the most part, these men are the ones at fault.

My story:
My "Rock Star- Rapper" Boyfriend and I were together and he hadn't worked in FOUR YEARS by choice. He manages to fork up money for the DATA PLAN on his BlackBerry, upgraded to the IPhone, buys drinks and parties with his friends and new girlfriend, while I sit home on bed rest at risk of premature labor. Now, in my ninth month, I haven't been able to reach him in almost THREE MONTHS. My baby is so far living off of gifts from a baby shower and public assistance!

I went from being a Public Relations Associate for the GAP, being able to buy whatever I'd want for myself and my "Rock Star" ex to losing my NYC apartment, living off food stamps and survivng off my mother and sister in Atlanta. Just recently, I had to leave a message saying I'm filing for sole custody and child support. THAT didn't even make him budge. I think that when us women are sweet and give lee-way to these men, they feel like we've got it taken cared of or that since we decided to IMPREGNATE ourselves with THEIR SPERM, we should deal with the consequences on our own. All the while, he's living it up in NYC, getting drunk, and has no clue the condition of our son.

I initially never even wanted children- considering I grew up without a father and have been watching my Mother care for our family by Gods grace alone. HE himself said to me he wanted to get married and for me to have his children and decided when I was questioning my pregnancy that we could do it together.

I'm hoping even though he's unemployed- he'd still be forced to pay child support or get deported back to England for non payment. These men need to take responsibility instead of hoping for a pass assuming she's on birth control for an entire year!

Most people who are against child support are simply ignorant. They have no idea how much it costs to raise a child. I have an 8mth old child and probably spend around $400 a month on diapers, baby food, clothes....only the necessities! I can't even afford to buy toys. This doesn't even include the $150 a week for daycare. Her father does not pay child support and gives me $20-$40 a month if I'm lucky! I am working 2 jobs and all my bills are behind because I am the only one paying for her needs. Not all men are dead beats, but child support is supposed to hold both parents accountable for their children. I didn't conceive this child by myself, but I take care of her 24/7 by MYSELF...AND I support her by MYSELF! If you think that's ok, you're crazy!

Well I am not sure about all of them, but what you owe will add up and they will take it from you when you get a job. If you are getting unemployment they can take it out of that so you do not get behind. Either way I would make sure to go to your local office and let them know your situation to make sure that you do not get in trouble.

My sister is dead (bullet to the brain) because she sued for child support and the ex-husband could not find work with his knee injury, so he killed her and then himself...  He was faced with going to jail or pay up.  He owed 30,000 in back support, but was told by the courts that if he did not pay the 30,000 on a certain date, then that payment will balloon in penalties to 100,000 and he will go to jail.  

I am beyond heart-broken to have lost my sister.

However, I do understand that there is NO work to be found.  I am unemployed right now and when I do land an interview, I am told that I am up against hundreds of applicants.  So there are hundreds of applicants for one job.  Not every man is going to be lucky enough to land the only job opening.  Just think about it.  

Now, I also find that there are more women in the workplace (look around you) and women will work for substantially less at the same profession than a male.  It is our greedy employers and slave enforcers on Capital Hill that have changed America's job scene.

I do not owe child support, but I am out of work and I will lose my humble 2 room apartment in only a few days.  I will find myself homeless on the violent streets of NY.  I have no family as I lost them all through foster care years ago...  The shelters in NY are worse than the streets.  Very dangerous.  You can get knifed for your shoes while you sleep...

When you lose your home and ability to feed yourself and no-one is there, then you crumble.  No-one hires anyone who does not have a home.  Do you know what someone looks like after missing  a few showers? ONLY THE BEST GET HIRED.  Hear me agan, ONLY THE BEST GET HIRED.

I've begun lying on my resumes left and right, as I need work NOW.  I am forcd to lye to an employer to get the job.  

If you are not in my shoes or the shoes of someone who cannot find work, then you do not have the slightest idea of what you are talking about.     

I do not owe child support, but after working and slaving for 30 years, just one missing paycheck can bump me into the streets.  

I send at least 3-5 resumes per day and hit the streets.  Do you know that you can't even go to your local supermarket (like you could years ago) and get a quick job.  You must apply on-line along with thousands of other applicants.

So I am contemplating walking in front of a train as my mental state of being is sheer panic.  I throw up every morning this green yello bile - my nerves are shot.

Oh, by the way, employers do not hire people whose nerves are shot...  THEY DON'T.  

There will ALWAYS be men out of work.  Just do the very simple math.  1 job opening for every 200-500 men.  Do you now see?

Our society is a bad one...  

You should write to Obama and ask him where the joobs are.  There are 9,000,000 REGISTERED unemployed (more like 12 - 16,000,000 actual) people who cannot find work because there isn't any...
   
A train just went by...

I got a honorable discharge from the Army last Aug after serving. You know what child support did? They raised it to 1000 a month 3 months before I was getting out knowing I was going to be unemployed. And at that time I was making 2094 a month. And I have put in for any where from 40-50 jobs a week since I been out of the military. I can't even land a part time gig. And guess what yeah still having to pay 1k a month while on unemployment. So do the math 1700 a month minus 1k for child support 400 car loan 60 for cell phone and 200 for my other bank loan. Yeah forced to move in with my parents cause guess what I have no money to live. And have been jerking me around for lowering child support for the last 10 months I'm about to fall 2 months behind. Trying to keep my car cause now I'm getting letters of repo now if you got a job for my ass I'll gladly work.

I am the wife of a man that has full custody of his 2 kids, ages 9 and 5. The mother hasn't attempted to see them In 4 years. She doesn't want them so I have been there mother for last 4 years. Would it b wrong of us to take her to court for support?we make plenty of money to support them but I feel like it's her responsibility to contribute to their raising in some way. Am I wrong?

Okay... As a pregnant woman with a planned child, I feel that I have an opinion in this debate, if you will.   I have obtained, on my own, work since I was a teenager, finding ways to get money to fund my needs and wants.   I am the type of person to not ask or take, but to EARN my way through life.   I will agree that the economic change has taken its toll on a lot of Americans, causing the average-joe to become unemployed.   And if you are like me, getting good grades in school and having a diploma doesn't compare to getting lucky or knowing the right people, or having a degree that costed thousands to get.   I was simply not that fortunate, coming from a middle class family with multiple children.   Things come up in life where it is hard to get motivated or stay motivated, I agree.   HOWEVER, as I find myself 9 months pregnant, single, without a crib or a ride to the doctor, I have become a statistic... Who is being FORCED by my state (of Florida) to obtain employment just to buy my baby the essentials for living.   Talk about wanting to run in front of a train.   How about having a partner who will not seek employment, who has no money to buy a crib or diapers?   And some of you complain there is no work.   OPEN YOUR EYES!!!!   I am fighting for $1.58 and hour and have to work 30 hours a week at 9 months pregnant.   If you ask me, jail couldn't be that bad for a man OR woman who won't get a job to support a life they created.   And I do not agree with child support,   I think that paying for your child is doing the right thing.   There are reasons that child support is so prevelant these days... People don't care most of the time.

Ok didnt want to comment but I have to everyone is right to a point here. Yes a father should pay child support however in saying that the mother should work to . A lot of women sit at home and choose not to work then whine when they don't get enough money. The fact remains that when you get pregnant as a women you know that no matter what you are stuck with that child . Fathers come and go but you as the mom know this child will be with you forever ...is that right ...no but its a fact. So when thinking of having a child as a women you should consider that , I know I did. I had a wonderful child whom I supported by myself , my ex was ill and could not work ,,,thats life. So is losing your job again life. And if you were still with that man you would figure out how to work it out without his income. So pretty much the same thing. As soon as he starts working again he goes back to paying but prosecuting him for not working is dumb! Does not help him or you. I think we need to work more closely together when it comes to raising our children , talk more , fight less . Really try to work things out .theres no right or wrong answer here Just a lot of people frustrated and scared on both sides of the child support  scale.

When it comes to child support laws they are nothing but corrupt.
The ones that are making money are the lawyers, the judges and the states and of course the custodial parents.
They could care less for what kind of hurt or burden they put upon you.
The custodial parent probably has been hurt through the court proceedings and all they want is revenge
so they take there lawyer buddies and judges and stick it to you. They don't care what kind of life you have to live
or that you cannot live because of there burden. Even when you try to pay usually something always happens and
you fall behind and then guess what, you wind up in jail and they think that helps.
Stupid people just don't now how to think common sense. They aught to know that if you are in jail then you surely can't pay.
They will take your license and anything else they can take. They make it to where you can't pay and then THEY PUT YOU IN JAIL.
I think it is a dirty rotten shame that people treat people like that especially our own corrupt ass government.
I just look for the day that our lord comes back and then we will ALL pay for what we have done.
Especially the greedy ones like the judges,lawyers and custodial parents. GOD HATES GREED

No, you will NOT be able to lower it,unemployment is not an excuse for those with a child support order. Constitutional rights do not apply for those who have an order and debtors prison abounds for people who find themselves in a situation such as yours.

You will need to pay your full amount or you will accumulate arrears which could put you in jail (debtors prison) and btw they would love to put you in there as the state makes even more money off that.

You are responsible to repaying child support for however long you have been ruled to do so by a Judge; however we here have no idea what your support agreement reads nor can we assume its contents so based on that my answer is solely based on the facts behind Father's being responsible and obligated. If you are still married to the woman that you had these children or a child with; then you would not be obligated if you can show 1. You are married; and/or 2. That you still reside in the home where they child or children or located. If so, all child support demands would stop because when the Father is living in the same house as the children the legal system looks at it as if you are definately taking care of them because you are there with them physically.

If you think unemployment is not a excuse your not the one pay child support that got laid off after 5 years working for a company the economy is hitting everyone now. Specially if your in construction.Real estate market is horrible. Only thing hiring is a field you know nothing about. Still paying 50% of my unemployment and look at my kids and tell them no christmas. So if your not getting hit with the crap make no comments cause you know nothing.I hope the mothers who get child support can buy christmas for our kids cause we can't.Most of the time its the women who leave the men  or can't act like a mother or wife and guess who gets screwed.

So, my ex-wife does not want to pay child support for our 8 year old son with special needs citing the fact that she is a single stay at home mom (lives with ex-husband and receives support from him for their child) and is unemployed. We are trying to settle through mediation but she is unwilling to pay child support. Anyone have any input or suggestions on what I can do? If we go to court will she have to pay up?

None unless there is a true 50 50 value proposition - chances are that any money you have paid has been foolishly spent on shoes and dresses - not for your kids - historically speaking, before the concept of money, women did nothing more that look for shiny shells on the shore in between putting milk in the kids mouth... I am sure this post will be removed.

If you are the one paying child support - sorry - your ex is probably sitting on her ars collecting the money shopping all day and buying shoes - that's the way it works...

Here is my take on it. My boyfriend has 4 kids from 3 different mom's. He lost his job, is ill and can't work. In these economic times, its even harder to find work. I am a woman and find myself completely disgusted at the way these women are using their children as income. His ex-wife even went so far as to, in writing, say its nothing personal, purely business. These women don't let him see his kids unless its convenient for them and one of two of them are constantly pawning their children off. So yes, many single mom's have it tough, my best friend is a single mom, I get it. But just like not all dad's are dead beat dads, not all single mom's are saints. If you were still together and your spouse wasn't working you'd do what you needed to do in order to take care of your kids. Takes two to make a baby, absolutely, but as a woman, stand up and take care of your family. Don't teach young girls that the only way a woman is to make it in this world is by counting on a man for everything. Most single dad's don't get child support paid to them. We want the same right's as men all the time, yet all we do is complain about how they don't help us. Help yourself and teach your kids that you can do whatever it takes to make something out your life and you can't do on your own.

I can't believe all that this crap that am reading here.... I have a 2yr old son whom I take care by myself. I never took my ex to court for child support and you know why? Because I can do it myself.... I HATE to see woman crying and talking about their ex not given them money and that they think they should, because they are the father bla bla bla bla... For one thing maybe if yall would of finished school yall wouldn't depend on men... But , yall are probably those kind of women who get pregnant at the age 17, have a baby with some dumb guy who also didint finish school like yall, and now yall are stuck with a baby who yall can't afford... WOMAN!!!! THERE ARE PILLS OUT THERE AND MANY OTHER THINGS THAT YALL CAN DO TO PREVENT HAVING A BABY don't BE S***** GO TO SCHOOL AND STOP HAVING BABIES THAT LATER YALL can't TAKE CARE OF..... Am so happy I went to school....my son sees his dad once in awhile and I don't need his money because I can do it myself. I know that he needs that money more than I do.. Because he is not legal here and its hard for him to find a job... When he can he buys his child clothes or takes him out... Am fine with that I have no problem... Before I had my baby I had thought about all of this and I knew that if it didint work out with him I was able to support my child by myself... So stop crying and saying yall can't do it yourself GROW UP!!

I agree with what she wrote. My husband lost his job in april, and he was supporting my and our infant son, he hasn't found work, and I'm going to school full time. He called his ex to tell her he lost his job and she said its not her problem and she will she him in court, which by the way is 250 miles away because after they split he moved back home. His ex cheated on him with her first kids dad and for a year after his son was born they didnt know who the father was so my signed the papers saying he was just to find out he isn't, but attorney general said its not their problem he still has to pay. HIs ex has 4 kids 3 different fathers she lives in housing, leaves the kids with her mom to watch doesnt work no diploma or ged. Her income is her child support checks and food stamps.

CS in most cases is Fraud Support and one of the best strategies using income to corrupt family structures.
Unmarried bio-parent stories can be unrealistic or very real. Obligor accused of not wanting to do anything with the bio-child and realistically, the child was alienated from his/her bio-obligor parent by the custodian parent. Or the obligor in fact deliberately tried to withdraw from an accidental or premature family.
Divorced, the obligor monthly CS payments are a calculated percentage by personal income wages, not what is substantial for standard living. It’s wants vs. Needs, in this case “wants” overshadows needs.

If you’re the Father or Mother & truly liking the best for your child in regards to genuine family values, rid yourself of even thinking to force another for cash and only. I can’t believe people are buying into this CS that teaches parents to force against each others will and for cash only? Son(s)& or Daughter(s), I had to force your bio-parent for extra income and place him/her at fault of my whatever mistake/accident/unplanned/unintentional or a partnership not lasting  I did of conceiving you. Grow some testicles/gonads & try having the other parent in helping out without being forced. I rather take custody alone and real responsibility, not rely on an extra source for income by force.
Bottom line, it’s a parasitic action to force another for cash.

Divorced male about to lose his condo (cannot sell), pays for 2 children to 2 different mothers, un-employed, and cannot afford a lawyer. Lives in chicago and has a few thousand dollars that his sisters gave him to keep him going. Any advice on how to lower or suspend monthly payments? Both mothers have a high income.

My question my son has no job and we are forced to pay the weekly amount we are retired and it is breaking  us as his parents,  he can not collect unemployment he is looking every day I don't understand how they can put him in jail as the jails cost the states money
we can't pay it any more

How is child support a "free ride" for women? Taking care of a child is a FULL TIME JOB. The least that should be expected of an absent parent is to provide the kids financial support. I don't care which parent is taking care of the kids, the other parent should be putting a roof over their head; man or woman! Raising a kid should be 50/50.

My ex-husband and I were in the same position as you find yourself in.  At the time I was in law school.  My atty and the judge never thought of this so I said in open court:  Give him some incentive to find a job because if not, he will lose his driving privileges and his freedom as his gluteus maximums will be sitting in jail.  Well, guess what?  The next day papa found a job!  Go get him!

Yeah well the lwas r to much focused on men paying this men paying that. I don't understand how in the heck the courts ended up so lopsided like this. I bet a lot of them money paid up doesnt even go to the kids, women get a free ride men in the same spot pay up and no free rides......

Get a job! You are responsible to care for your children no matter what!

Yes but only what he can give

Well there isn't anyway to deduct but I believe he's still liable for it and should make other arrangements w/ the courts to pay. It builds up and catches up. That's why there's so many back payments owed.

In most states, even unemployment is garnished, because it is owed. If you call them tomorrow and talk to them, they should be able to tell you. Hope this helps, good luck to you.

Trust me I'm in both boats!!!! My husband pays child support and I don't receive child my ex. So I live in both boats and it sucks.

If he is unemployed he has no means to pay you. It is not possible to garnish wages of a non existent pay check.

This is to the so-called mothers who shouldn't complain about child support. I think you need to go back and think about that again. Sorry but children have two parents an that means TWO parents should have to pay for their expense. I have been a single parent paying for my kids expenses for along time. Nor do I feel like I wouldn't do it otherwise. But some So-called dad's think they can make babies an not be held accountable for them. I know my kids will always respect that I was there for their every need but allowing somebody to not have to do the same is hurting your children. Why??? Because you were not the only parent involved in making these kids. Plus why shouldn't they be responsible for supporting them also. People make too many excuses for not finding jobs...I have not had a high diploma but always managed to find work. If you can't find work because your a criminal then that is your own problem not your children's. So go get a job an quit finding excuses!!! If your anything like my ex tell the judge you fell 12 ft. From a roof and your disabled an see if that will work. I doubt it!!!

My husband is paying cs for his son that he has never seen and didn't know about for 2 and a half yrs until the mother decided she couldn't make it anymore and filed cs and dna was done it turned to be his and she doesn't even work he pays 650.oo we just got married and have a 6 months lil girl ourselves and he is active military and is getting medically discharged in 60 days then we have to move from maryland to nc with both of us being unemployed then and I have lupus and no income myself. We can't afford to pay 650.00 cs the this girl as it is much less when he is out of the military in 2 months if some one can give us suggestions please help. We have the papers to fill out for a request for review and adjustment but we don't know what to write. Since the child support order was taken he has gotten married and has our child. Someone please give us some advice

They can take 100.00 per check?

They can withhold 25% per check I know because thats what child support said when I won my case