I had my child out of wedlock, I chose not to marry her father

[Angellica1612]

I agree, there are always going to be situations where one parent is being a total ass. As long as both parents are responsible human beings, both should have rights to their children just as they both have an obligation. And no one should have to sell their home to get their rights. Our legal system is far from perfect, and that's a whole new can of worms. I was just addressing the deadbeats who want to have the fun and have no responsibility if the birth control doesn't work, or don't bother to use any.

 

[TexasWife25]

Righto - what about those situations where the custodial parent refuses to allow the non-custodial parent any interaction with the child, yet is still entitled to receive 18% of their pretax income for 18 years?
Lets take it one step further... I have a friend in the above situation, but because of his financial situation, he can't afford to get a lawyer and take his ex-partner to court (he's paying a huge amount in child support).
If he were to sell his home, he could take her to court for access, but then he wouldn't be left with enough money to rent a home - and if he doesn't have a home, he can't have the kids.
It's a nasty situation all round.
Plus, I also know the mother, and she tells the kids constantly that their dad just doesn't want to see them, doesn't pay support, and doesn't want them. Those kids refer to their dad as the 'wanker' all because of her mean-ness and lies... And there isn't a damn thing the father can do.

IMO, he should be allowed to stop paying any child support until an amicable resolution is reached.

There are many such instances where 'fair' is all in favour of the custodial parent.

Thats parental alienation. If one parent is found by the court to be lying and trying to turn the child against the other, in many states here, that parent automatically loses custody of the child.

 

[warrior queen]

Thats parental alienation. If one parent is found by the court to be lying and trying to turn the child against the other, in many states here, that parent automatically loses custody of the child.

Not so here in Australia - child support and access are treated as two completely separate issues.
And currently, the Legal Aid system does not deal with custody/access.
So if you can't afford a lawyer, you're pretty much fucked.