[HairOfTheDog]

So what do we do about the inherent bias in our courts?

Right now, the way I see it, women get the kid, and get to stay in the "child's home" often enough....

Men get weekends, and get to write checks for undocumented "child support" costs. I have argued before with one of my "she" friends who has the nice house on five acres with horses, a good job, and one son.

She is receiving several hundred dollars every month from a good enough man who she just didn't feel like marrying when she got pregnant. He lives in an old trailer and can hardly afford to build his own life now, writing checks to her.

So how do we solve that? he should pay some support costs, but I would propose it should be half of the documented costs of the child each month... not an entitlement to the mother, but an actual discussion about what the child needs, and the cost should be split in half.

[Tennessee_Bob]

You also need to look at who is more capable of rearing the child in a loving home.

Hint (and I'm sure you're already aware of it): It ain't always the mom.

[buccaneer81]

So how do we solve that? he should pay some support costs, but I would propose it should be half of the documented costs of the child each month... not an entitlement to the mother, but an actual discussion about what the child needs, and the cost should be split in half.

No way! Makes too much sense. We need to elect women with your views to Congress. That may be the only way out of this mess.

[Jhoffa_]

I would simply be happy if custody wasn't a foregone conclusion and people who explicitly violate their marriage vows (beating, adultery, etc..) were not shown bias simply because of their sex.

I also think support should be reasonable and with regard to assets it should be as fair and just as possible.

No "givvies" just because you are a poor woman who's husband "made you cheat" by working too late. And likewise, no bias for men who can't keep themselves from juping in the sack with the babysitter.

Nu-uh.

Equality and fairness before the law.

[Jhoffa_]

That would be a big step in the right direction.

I mean, as it is a woman with custody can starve your child and spend "HER" support check on drugs or anything she pleases.

There is no control built in here at all to ensure the child is indeed being supported.

[Rebelbase]

Re#256, the problem with splitting costs is that sometimes one parent does'nt feel the need to "bargain shop" and pays stupid prices just to be "seen" shopping and have their kid wear the classiest designer clothing.

They could buy the same thing at nearly 1/2 the price at more commmon, "where the masses shop" type store, but that would be below their dignity to be seen in a place like that.