Fathers that try: Mothers that hide

by Tasha
(USA North Dakota)

I am writing to obtain information to help me start a process to petition for a review of the Child Support Enforcement Laws. It has come to my attention with not only my own situation but other people that I have come in contact with that the Child Support Enforcement Laws are not equally created for the "custodial" and "non custodial" parent.

In my findings of the laws, they are created to strip the "non custodial" parent from ever right they have as a citizen of the United States of America. I believe the laws are unconstitutional and the "non custodial" parent is treated like a criminal when it is not a criminal act to have a child or for a couple to separate for what ever reason.

In doing so the mother in most cases is automatically given custody regardless of how the situation for the separation came about, until a father can prove in court that the mother is completely unfit, now I would like to know how that is equally giving rights to both parents. That is one sided as I see it. Not all but some of the parents that are considered "non custodial" parents are "non custodial" parents not by choice, this happens due to the "custodial" parent not allowing the "non custodial" parent to visit the child(ren) that are in question.

Further more either parent is uninformed of their rights, so in turn not knowing the laws and unable to obtain the information to be informed because they do not have the resources to locate the information and the process that comes with a child support case then they can not act on their own behalf to be able to follow procedures to take care of the support obligation that the parent has.

I am requesting at this time assistance in how to petition for a review to have the laws modified so they are more equally informative and clearer to understand what the process and requirements for procedure is when a child support case becomes open. I feel that when a child support case comes open, both parents should be notified immediately of the procedures that will take place, knowledge before hand is what it should be, the child support enforcement agency should have to advise the parents of what is going to happen during the process. And even so have the information available to the persons applying for the assistance let them be advised of the procedure and action that will be taken against the other parent if they apply for assistance.

I am sure there is a majority that if they are informed right when applying for assistance, of the action that will be taken against the other parent, regardless if that parent is in the child's life and helping with what ever they can, those people would get up and walk out of the assistance office and then continue to struggle because that is the American way.

I understand there are parents that just walk away from raising a child but for those that do that there should be harsh actions for I agree, but if a parent is trying, doing what they can and following court order as best they can, why? when they have trouble during economic down turn and they are trying to keep them selves alive and survive and can not keep up with the payments there will be a warrant issued for the arrest, or their license is taken away among other actions that can be taken, which in return does not make a bit of sense, how logical does it really sound think about it, a person looses their drivers license because they can not make child support payments, then when they finally get back on their feet and get another job ?surprise? they do not have a license any more because it was revoked, now how are they expected to go to work to pay the payments when they can't even get a job now???

I have more thoughts on the child support enforcement laws but I am hoping that this will bring some light to actual situations that are taking place. I want to help the parents and the children in these situations so it is more informative and equal for both sides.