Dead beat dad gets away with violating laws repeatedly!

by Rebecca
(Illinois)

I'm sure my story is similar to many other people dealing with a dead beat parent. So, we've had a child support order for over 3 years now. My son will turn 5 in November. His Father has made a total of 23 payments in 3 + years. He continues to take me back to court for downward modifictions. These modifications are granted (regaurdless of how I feel or our child's needs) and then he still won't pay. So far this year I recieved a tax intercept in March, he took me to court in April and was granted another downward modification and now here it is June and I still have not recieved a payment.

His child support has been lowered from $80.00 per week to $35.00 per week over the past 3+ years. He owes over $10,000 in past due support and interest. I just found out today that he's already requested another downward modification- it was just modified to $35.00 per week on April 13 and today is June 23! I have heard from several friends of his that he's been working cash jobs and not reporting his income. He took me to court for visitation, of course I did not fight him on that.

We came to an agreement quikly and easily, however he's already violated the agreement several times and cut his visits short. He's only had 2 visits with his son, who before now has not seen him in 9 months. His visit on Father's Day was cut 4 hours short, he did not feed him lunch and was not prepared for the heat. It is rediculous to me that the enforcement of the laws put in to place for child support is pretty much absent. I understand that there are good fathers out there that are willing to pay thier support and sometime's need a break.

However, there are also ead beats out there that abuse the system and make it hard for the good fathers. I think there should be a cap on how many times you're allowed to lower your support if you still don't pay after a downward modification has been granted. I think there should be laws in place that punish dead beat dad's as well as protect dad's who are trying to be there for the children they father. The kids are the one's who suffer when you don't pay your support!I am a full-time student, trying to make a better life for myself and 2 young sons.

Why aren't there laws to ensure the custodial parents get the support that has been ordered? Why aren't the current laws enforced? Every time I get a hold of someone to try to do something about non-payment, I get NO WHERE! I tried to have him held in contempt, but they only put him on probation. When my brother-in-law was late on one payment, they put him in jail- AND HE'S A GOOD DAD! I really think there needs to be a MAJOR change in the enforcement of these laws- what's the point of a court order if he is allowed to get away will violating it over and over with no consequences?!