How Deadbeat Dads can Manipulate the Child Support System

by Elizabeth Black
(Genessee County, NY)

My ex-husband (and father of our four children) has stopped working twice in the past three years for medical reasons. He had bunion surgery and a "knee scraping." Both times, he took a full six months off from work, collecting only NYS disability. Of course, he had child support modified to the poverty rate of $25 per month. When he returned to work, he filed his insurance claims (he his a salesman) and received thousands of dollars in "recovery income." Even though my lawyer alerted the Judge that he was eligible for the income, the Judge wouldn't consider it because my ex didn't file the claims while in court.

The child support agency is seizing his tax return, since he owes me money, even after not paying while "medically unable." Odd how he was able to keep up with all of his other activities, but if a doctor friend says he can't work, oh well! Yesterday I received a letter from the child support collection agency letting me know that they are CHARGING ME 25% of what they are recovering. Why don't they charge HIM?!

I have spent so much money in lost wages, gas, lawyers,copies, postage, etc. for all of the time spent in court trying to get the money he is supposed to pay, to no avail. As a result, the state of New York now pays for my children's health insurance because their father is allowed to manipulate the child support system. Ridiculous.