father's rights...who is really in contempt?

[jasahlin]

I am non-custodial father in Ohio. I have 2 open support cases in 2 counties. My former employer w/held support from my pay, but failed to make all payments. I have provided proof to CSEA at admin hearing I requested, and they indicated they would be charging the former employer. Instead, they charged me, found me in contempt, have raised my arrearages 3 times in each of the 2 counties over the last two years, and I have been jailed. My pay is so low after current support and arrearages that I am behind in rent, utilities, etc..., not to mention it is difficult to have 3 teenaged children visit when we can hardly afford to eat. The CSEA ordered the former employer to w/hold the support, shouldn't they be responsible for collecting it, since I have shown proof that he took it, and they have not disputed this? I cannot afford to hire an attorney, but am in the process of seeking assistance from local legal aid office. However, I don't believe I will be eligible, based on my gross earnings. Can I sue the employer for the support he failed to pay and the grief he has caused my children and me? Can I sue CSEA for mishandling of my case? Or is there some way I can force CSEA to go after employer still? (currently more than $5,000. arrearages)

 

[BugHogan]

This is a GREAT father's and NCP rights site, http://www.deltabravo.net Chances are you will run across someone here who has been in your shoes.

If you had an order to have your paychecks garnished and your employer wasn't doing it, then CSEA is supposed to go after them. I don't understand why they jailed you for your employer's error, but then again, there are many things in this world I don't understand.

Check out the site, it's helpful. Good luck.

 

[kinaz]

I agree

Boy, do I agree with you!! I'm not the person paying the child support directly, but I'm affected every day by it! My boyfriend of 4 years is paying $700 a month for one child due to the fact that he "stopped" payment when he was unemployed, even though he had filed paperwork to adjust the support--but the state lost it!! YES, they literally lost it and said he never filed! You know how long it takes for papers to go through the system, so we figured all the while that the papers were still being processed! Now he owes back pay up the you-know-what and the mother actually brings home more of his paycheck than he does!! It is outrageous! He is the one who filed for support from the beginning, but the state has done nothing but punish him financially. He even had to file bankruptcy because of the outrageous amount of support he pays out each month--try to get a good lawyer on $0! He literally could not afford to eat when he was living on his income alone. When will people start realizing that a child is not a meal ticket or financial retribution?