Are deadbeat dads actually dead broke dads? As the American economy struggles, men comprise most of the recent layoffs. In child support cases, are men and women treated equally in the courts, or are the laws out of touch with today’s crisis? Dr. Phil’s guests, along with Mel Feit, director of the National Center for Men, and Lis Wiehl, author and legal analyst, debate the issue that has many men feeling like the laws are against them.

Quantity over Quality?

Bill says he wants to leave his high-paying job to become a teacher so he can spend more time with his children, but if he does, he won’t be able to afford his current child support payments.

Is it fair to send him to jail for trying to be a better father?

Operation Tough Love

Dr. Phil cameras follow a police raid cracking down on accused deadbeat dads. You won’t believe how many arrests they make in one day. And, Mel and Lis engage in a heated debate.

“That’s what it’s all about: take care of your kids.”

Foul on the Home Front

Former NBA star Jason Caffey used to make $5 million a year but says he now has trouble paying the amount of child support he owes for his 10 children. He allegedly owes hundreds of thousands of dollars, and an order has been issued for his arrest.

An attorney for the mother of one of Jason’s children makes Jason an offer. Will he accept the deal?

Escalating Demands

Bret and Jennifer say they struggle to keep up with the child support payments owed to his ex-wife. Jennifer says her family suffers while Bret’s ex-wife and daughter are living life to the fullest.

“We don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel.”