Stop loophole- Deadbeat Dads avoid Child Support

As a constituent and concerned citizen I would like you to consider the implication of unpaid child support to our families.

California's children are owed $19 billion in child support arrears. Most noncustodial parents are diligent, hardworking parents that support their children. Unfortunately some noncustodial parents use loopholes in the system to avoid paying their child support obligations.  California has one of the poorest collection rates for child support in the Nation. This petition is to address the small minority of parents that refuse to work and support their children.

There are numerous ways that Deadbeat parents avoid responsibility to their children. Including: working for cash, changing jobs frequently, living off of family or new girlfriends, hiding assets and paying nominal amounts to avoid going to jail for contempt of court.

One single mother of three in California has only received $25 a month child support for the last Seven years. This Dad owes his children $40,000 in past support. He drives a luxury car and lives in a lovely home. He does this by working under the table and putting his assets in his new girlfriends name. The Department of Child Support services cannot suspend his drivers license or put him in jail for willful failure to pay child support because he gives them $25 a month and as long as you pay something, no matter how small, you are not subject to contempt charges.

The following remedies will encourage nonsupport paying parents:
1.  Any noncustodial parent that fails to pay at least 50% of their court ordered child support for 3 months or longer will be charged with a misdemeanor.

1st occurrence- 1 year probation. They will be required to create a plan to bring their child support current.

2nd occurrence- 30 days jail/work release, Drivers License will be restricted to work only

3rd occurrence- 90 days jail/work release, Drivers License will be restricted to work only

Subsequent occurrences- Up to 6 months in jail
-An exemption will be given for individuals receiving State Unemployment, Disability or Workforce Investment Act Training.

-No charges will be filed for parents waiting for a Court date to modify child support due to change of circumstances.

2. Noncustodial parents will be required to pay at least 1% of any arrears owed per month or face contempt of court charges and drivers license suspension.

3. Individuals giving free room and board to noncustodial parents should be considered an employer and be required to withhold equivalent child support amounts to be turned over to the state.

4. Any automobile driven by a noncustodial parent, whose License is suspended for nonpayment of child support, will be sold at auction and the proceeds will go to paying current and past due child support. 

5. Unemployed noncustodial parents will be required to complete weekly job search forms provided by the Department of Child Support.

6. Noncustodial parents claiming that they are disabled or unable to work due to illness will be required to provide weekly forms from a Licensed Physician showing that they are totally unable to work in any capacity. Forms will be provided by the Department of Child Support and must state that the noncustodial parent is unable to work in any capacity. If they are able to work in another field, they must do so.

7. Noncustodial parents that change jobs are required to notify the Department of Child Support services within 5 working days. It is their responsibility to insure that the proper child support amount is received. If child support is not withheld from their paycheck, it is the responsibility of the parent to bring the child support due to the Department of Child Support Services within 5 days of receipt. Failure to do so will cause them to be placed on probation and subject to jail for contempt of court. 

I look forward to your leadership on this matter.

Signed,


[Your Name]
[Your Address]