Texas child support laws should be amended.....

by RG
(RGV, Texas)

I am ordered to pay child support to my two sons. My oldest is from a previous marriage and the second is from a long-term girlfriend I had after my marriage ended. I was ordered to pay $375 to my first son at the end of my marriage, based on the salary I was making at the time. I had no problems paying that until I lost my job and had a very hard time finding another. I went two years paying what I could here and there, while building a very large back child support account with interest! My ex wife was patient and understanding. Then my relationship with my girlfriend ended after 4 1/2 years. We had a verbal agreement on support for our son. I would take him every other week, offering 50% support, both financial and emotional. That was until her new boyfriend and family convinced her to take me to court. I was ordered back child support of $9000 because she lied in court. I was also ordered to pay $450 a month, plus an additional $50 to cover back child support. All of my income tax monies go to her because she lied. I mean what kind of crap is that??

I firmly believe that the non-custodial parent should pay child support and help with medical expenses, not held responsible for the whole amount. I also believe that the cost of court should be shared by both parents, and not on the father or mother being taken to court. My ex took me to court, not because I wouldn't agree on an amount, but just to screw me over. I feel that the current system is not as fair as some people make it out to be. Custodial parents should be held accountable for not allowing non-custodial parents visitation as in my case. Modifications should automatically be made when the parent ordered to pay child support has a change in income. This would avoid so many squabbles about money between parents. Because in some cases, a father can go from making a good living to making significant less money. Instead if you don't make enough money to pay what's ordered, they take half...HALF of what you make. How in the hell is anyone supposed to live like that? There are so many moms getting screwed by deadbeat dads who avoid paying at all costs but by the same token, there are SO MANY MORE WOMEN hell bent on getting back at their exes and use the system to do just that. I remember my ex telling me, "I'm going to get you where it's going to hurt the most, your wallet!"

For me, I'm trying my best to get back on my feet, change careers to become a teacher so I can spend more time with my boys, having to live at home with my parents at 35 years old because I have to try and live off of $500 a month because HALF of my income goes to my ex, which doesn't even use all of my child support for my son. Now isn’t that a b%tch!

In the end, it's the kids who suffer because of moms like my ex. Maybe I'm seeing it from one perspective, but the current system in Texas is for the birds and needs to be updated. I have a lot of friends who are single moms and dads and they agree on both sides. The only ones that would oppose are those who are using the system to screw over their exes.

Regardless though, I do everything I can for my boys and always will. I've said my piece.

Peace