Mr. Fletcher wants specifics about the issue with judges. If you would like to know exactly what our laws say, you can find them online by searching IC 31-16-1 thru IC 31-16-16 and child support enforcement. If you want specifics about what I am asking congress to add to our laws, write to me or keep reading my letters to the editor.
Some enforcement methods that could be used are wage withholding, license suspension both driver's and professional, reporting to the credit bureau, liens on property, jail time, interest charges, orders to pay attorney fees, community service, and "any other remedies available for the enforcement of a court order." Basically, whatever a judge feels is necessary.
I received an e-mail from a woman who said a judge in Elkhart County placed her ex in work release five times. He was also given a job through this work release program making $14 per hour. He worked for six months, the judge ordered his release again, and the man quit the job. After he was told she would file for a new hearing, he found a job making $7 per hour working 20 hours per week. The judge ordered a modification of support to accommodate the deadbeat parent even after this parent quit a better-paying full-time job to get out of paying support. The order was $72 per week for three children but is now $24 per week. He is over $12,000 behind.
Senator Evan Bayh said in a recent letter to me, "even the strictest laws cannot be effective unless they are diligently enforced." In another letter from the Child Support Bureau, the Deputy Director states, "The Child Support Bureau cannot intervene in any judicial procedure or determination." She also states that the county prosecutor is doing all he can but, ultimately the judge hearing the case determines any actions to be taken against the noncustodial parent who does not comply with a court order.
Mr. Fletcher, if you would like information, write to me or keep reading my letters. For anyone else, you can write to me by e-mail at 79trm@comcast.net or by mail at 4818 S. Scott Road, Claypool, IN 46510. I get 500 words in the paper. This limits how specific I can be. Anyone with child support or visitation problems knows what I meant in my previous letter about the judges.
Tambi Manns
Claypool, via e-mailEditor's Note: This letter was edited to conform more closely to the 500-word limit as stated in our letter's policy.
