BS....
No one is living off $880/month with kids these days.
She's probably working two jobs just to keep the kids in food, shelter and clothing.
She probably wouldn't trust him to babysit their kids - with his bouts of "depression and alcoholism".
HE is an unfit parent, who ignores his responsibilites!
If the support payment was unfair... he should petition the court to have it lowered - he should not just think he's getting away with not supporting HIS KIDS!
That's exactly it! So many people spout off about the poor guy who has to pay too much when they are out of work, etc. As a single mother who is putting two sons through college, and my ex- just got back to work after being laid off after 911, I have done my homework.
Each parent pays a percentage toward raising the child, depending on each parent's income and employability. If the financial situation of either parent changes, a simple modification to the child support order can be filed. No rocket science involved. Maybe a $25 filing file. I know, because I did it!!!!
Since all this support is supposed to be in the best interest of the child, maybe it is also a good idea for the parents to communicate as well. (Duh!) My ex- kept me informed of his situation, and he helped out when he could. And the kids still respected him for at least trying. Can't stress it enough: Whatever is in the best interests of the child!
$880 would pay my mortgage, utilities, phone, internet, and have a little left over. I've got kids! His ex-girlfriend was working when the support order was entered and earned slightly more than he did.
Okay, he's making $10/hour, let's say she's making $12. His gross per month is $1600, hers is $1920. She's taking $880 of his money, bumping her gross to $2800/month, While he's left with his after tax/confiscation/etc. of $400. Oh, well that was before he lost his job, truck, etc. because of being thrown in jail.
We worry about the kids, yet we show them how we punish the father by breaking his financial world, his spirit, and sending him into alcohol. What a great message for the kids. Oh, and teach them like you do. Kids emulate their parents. These kids will be far more likely to experience their own divorces, lousy family relations, and such than kids that grow up respecting their fathers.
I noted in the story that he was attempting to keep up with this outrageous confiscation of his income, but failed and was punished for failing. Is this just? Is this what women want? To pass on this kind of heritage?