CooL BrEEz
Junior Member
FLORIDA I know this is going to stir some of you up, but this is my personal opinion regarding child/spouse support laws.
(1) Ethically speaking, if you can't feed 'em...don't breed 'em
(2) IF you parent a child certanily you are morally and ethically responsible for insuring the welfare of that child(ren).
(3) If the either of the natural parents are insolvent and can not sufficiently afford to raise this child (without public assistance) in a manner that protects the child from the negative impacts of an ecomonically unstable environment then the child should be temporarily placed with a relative (if possible) that can afford to support the child until the natural parent(s) achieve economic stability sufficient to properly provide for the child(ren)'s necessities. POINT As a community we can best assist this family if we develop fund programs to teach parents the skills necessary to help them be competitive in the work force. I believe everytime a check is cut from public assistance and it's delivered to a parent or parents who have demonstrated their lack of ability manage their own income, it cements their dependency on society's pocket book. I'm not saying starve anyone to death by no means. Rather than giving them resources to mismanage, educate them so they can help themselves. Yes, for a limited durration help feed them. But by no means assign the task of assuming the head of household role in their home.
(4) If the parents of a child(ren) married or not, can not or will not, for whatever reason maintain shared residence, and a singular parent assumes the role of sole custodian for the child(ren) in doing so have stepped up and accepted the burden to support and tend the child(ren)'s needs. Morally and ethically speaking, the non-custodial parent should do the same and provide assistance to the custodial parent so the child does not go without necessities critical to development. However, if the non-custodial parent can not or will not for whatever reason voluntarily assist the custodial parent in providing for the child(ren), it should not be a matter forced onto the non-custodial parent by judicial entities. After all, it's a family dynamics issue and not one of judicial jurisdiction. If Mr. Jones is too sorry to provide for his child that makes him morally and ethically a dead beat dad. POINT Custodial parent stepped up accepting responsibility, then it's that parent's responsibility. If that parent can not afford to provide essentials for this child see #3.
The Constitution of the United States of America grants each citizen the right to be free from government invasion, and further guaranties that no citizen shall be jailed for a monetary debt.
No matter how you flip it, fry it, or soak it in gravy, paying child support is monetary obligation!
Hypothetical: If I can deliver necessities to my child such as nutritious food, clothing of a proper fit and in serviceable condition, and help with medical needs, then why should I send cash?
It's about accepting our role and responsibility as a parent. If you can't do your part...see #1.
*Background* I am a white male. Divorced and sole custodian and provider for three children for more than 13 years. I am a high school graduate with some college. I am a military veteran. My income is a little less than median for the state of Florida (last year I grossed a very gross $42k before I paid for the welfare bunch). We do not live beyond our means, we can't afford too! We rent a home because it's getting tougher to buy a home here anymore due to the "desireability" that lures in out of staters with fater wallets. But I'm not complaining, we are not on the street, in the bread lines, or causing a burden to our family or yours. I work very hard. I have taught my children the value of a buck, especially when having a buck is a tough job. We do not look like ragamuffins, we get to go to the movies when there is something we can collectively agree on.
I could keep going. So my point is this, my ex-wife owes well over $30k in back support ordered by the court. I have stood before the court and asked that all support be dropped and further assessments discontinued. The court said no way, it's her debt to the children, and the ex gets locked up. Now what good can she do behind bars? Is this kind of judicial intrusion necessary? Is it right? No folks, it is not right.
As parents and mature people we can make it if we put forth an effort. Sure it's tough. But in the end I'm a better person, my kids have learned from my examples, both failures and successes. So they know what it will take when it's their turn out in the world.
As for me, I will not turn loose burdens to society. And I hope you won't either.
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