A cash payment is not the only thing a father contributes…

A woman in New York recently agreed to forgive over $38,000 in child support arrearages from her ex-husband.  The divorced parents have two school age children together, according to “Forgiving $38,750 in Child Support, for My Kids’ Sake”, by Kimberly Seals Allers, published online April 19, 2015 in the New York Times.

Following their divorce, Ms. Allers’ ex-husband had fallen behind in child support when he was unemployed or underemployed.  Because he was unable to make regular payments, they worked out an arrangement where he would pay her directly for child support when he could, or in lieu of payments, he would provide additional day care as needed, prepare meals, assist with home repairs, etc.  This worked for the two of them instead of pretending that a cash payment was the only thing he as a father could contribute to their children’s lives.

The author was motivated to waive the arrearages through court in part because her ex-husband, who returned to live in England, could not travel to the United States to attend their daughter’s middle school graduation due to his child support arrearages and outstanding arrest warrants.  The daughter was very disappointed that her father could not attend, and Ms. Allers was determined it would not happen again.

A father is more than just a child support check, and it is refreshing to see a mother that can publicly recognize that fact, as in this article.  However, child support issues involving non-payment, arrearages, and direct payments can be complex and have varying implications.  These issues do need to be addressed properly through the court system, whether or not they are forgiven. If you have questions regarding your child support or parenting time, contact the attorneys at ADAM at .

About ADAM (American Divorce Association for Men)

The American Divorce Association for Men (ADAM) is a group of highly qualified attorneys who advocate for men’s rights in divorce, child custody and parenting time, paternity, support, property settlement, post judgment modifications, and other family law matters. Since 1988, ADAM has been aggressive, diligent, and uncompromising when representing their clients. A team of compassionate and skilled family law attorneys, ADAM is dedicated to being Michigan’s leading divorce attorneys for men and practices a policy of integrity in all dealings.