fafny.org/policy_mythschildsupport.htm Myth s of the Child Support...

Myth s of the Child Support System TEN MYTHS OF THE CURRENT "CHILD SUPPORT" SYSTEM 1. Child support is for the children. False Currently there is NO system of accountability by the custodial parent. Many parents can, and do, spend the money for the child on personal luxury items that have no bearing on child welfare. If we really wanted the children to have the financial support shouldn t the custodial parent have to show how the money is spent 2. Those "deadbeat dads" who have abandoned their children should pay for them. True, but… There are very few parents who abandon their children. Actually most non-custodial parents were forced into being "non custodial" against their will as over 80% of divorces are against the wishes of the other parent. Over two thirds of divorces are filed by women and yet 90% of the time women "win" custody of the children even when they wanted out of the family. In New York State there is no SHARED PARENTING statute. No matter who files, one parent or the other will be forced into being a visitor and "non custodial". The "winner" receives full control of the finances with no accountability. The overall vast majority of non-custodial parents did not abandon their children; they were forced away from them. 3. No matter who caused the divorce the child shouldn t have to suffer financially. True, but… Over 90% of parents who have shared parenting pay their financial child support on time and in full compared to under 70% for those with just visitation. Children of divorce fare better emotionally when they have TWO involved parents in their life. If policies promoted shared parenting for children they would receive both FINANCIAL AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT FROM BOTH PARENTS. A win-win situation for all involved. If we want to ensure the child s financial well being we need to promote both parents access to the children. 4. All that may be true for divorcing couples but, we need to ge...