Child support legislation has gone through many changes over the last 40 years. In 1984 Child Support Enforcement Amendments (CSEA) was established by Congress. One of the functions of CSEA was to collect delinquent child support. This requires, in part, the following:
-employers withhold wages if a parent is delinquent in paying child support
-impose liens against the property of delinquent parents
-deduct unpaid child support from state and federal income tax returns
Studies have indicated that both parents disposable income level decreases upon divorce. However, males incomes rebound back to pre-divorce levels rather rapidly. Females incomes tend to remain lower than pre-divorce levels. The implications for our children are clear: many women and children are relegated to a lower standard of living after divorce. This can have long-term negative implications for moms and their children.
I would like to hear from you. What has your experience been with child support? How has it affected how you and your children now have to live?
Kimberly A. Kick, LCSW
Owner, Divorce Communications