Replies to '02/23 Exes From Hell'

Quote From: beertje

Man, I've been waiting for a show like this for ages where they actually are talking about noncustodial parents who are not paying child support!  It sounds like Stacie and I may have been in the same predicaments.... my ex abandoned my three children back in 2002 and has basically only spoken to each of them once on the phone.  He went into hiding for about a year before the child support agency finally found him.  Now in 2006, we've been in court ever since mid 2003 when he's been found.  We're not in court over divorce or for him to try to gain more supervised visitation, but ONLY to try to lower his child support order! 

More than $20,000 later in my lawyer fees, the saga STILL continues where he's calling me telling me how much he "loves" me, yet has nothing to do with the kids.  Even worse, his mother is paying for all his lawyer fees to reduce his child support.  Yet she's had nothing to do with the kids since 1998, by her choice.  So basically, I have to fight for my children's rights at a cost that they could've had other educational opportunities afforded at the whim of their father and grandmother.  Gotta feel the love. :S

Unfortunately, my ex also has a passive/aggressive personality disorder that has been diagnosed from his doctor.  What she does only feeds into problem, not helping.  I pray this all ends soon.  Fortunately, I've had a stable job where the kids' needs have been met (but financially struggled because of the debts my ex owed and dumped on me yet hasn't repaid me) and the kids have been able to cope and thrive.   Thank God!  I'm VERY proud to say they're all honor students, very stable, well mannered, and loving kids.  They've proven that they were not going to allow him to bring them to his level.  I am truly amazed by them.  They have taught me many valuable lessons.  Hopefully, Stacie's children will thrive and rise above as well.

My financial advice if Stacie's ex isn't paying child support, research the federal statutes and her state statutes to find out what the penalties are when a noncustodial parent doesn't pay and if the statute applies to her situation, then contact her county attorney to see how they can help her.   Always be well educated when it comes to your children's rights as well as your rights, so ask questions with your local child support agency until you fully understand.  If you get brushed off, go to higher authority.  Don't be shy, you can't afford it.   Also, if he owes a portion of any possible marital debt, check the state laws on how to file judgements on what he owes.  You can take those judgements as well to garnish from his wages.

Good luck to Stacie and all those who are struggling with these same issues!