Jun
30
My daughter has been thrown into the deep dark abyss of the saga of child support and custody. Her relationship was over when she discovered she was pregnant. During a difficult and dangerous pregnancy the father denied the relationship occurred, being unable to go back to work she is relying on sole parent pension. Fighting for DNA testing has proven he is the father, he is now refusing to pay child support and is going to pursue full custody. Legal aid no help. Does anyone know of good forums where she may gain support/info.
Are you thinking about selling your home yourself? then
CSA is not a bunch of losers like a lot of people assume. It is an extremely difficult job, especially when parents refuse to make voluntary payments. Although it may take some time, CSA will catch up to him in the end. Your daughter may take some comfort in the knowledge that even though she isn’t receiving any money for support, this man will be on the run until he does decide to pay. Every job he gains, he will end up leaving, every car he purchases will be investigated (once there is a debt owing), he will never be able to purchase a house or have any other assets without being investigated.
As for the custody issues, he will not win himself any points in the Family Law Court if he hasnt paid child support as they will see him as not taking responsibility for his child.
My biggest advice would be to start a diary noting every attempt to contact, every obstacle she has faced with proving paternity, CSA difficulties etc. The Family Relationship Centre will also be able to assist in referring on to other agency’s. They are a free service and can be a big help!
Your daughter also needs to know that the courts will not look at either parents complaint or request until mediation is at least attempted through the FRC. This should be her first point of call.
I doubt very much he will get custody but he will probably get some sort of visitation with the child.
As for child support he will get caught in the end. They can take it out of his tax return at the end of the year OR take it straight out of his pay.
Check out http://www.stepfamilyzone.com.au/forums for more information. Many people there have been in simular situations.