Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Are you on the list?

Well it's here, the FRO's hot list of "Deadbeat Dads" and whether you're on it or not, the threat is just as pointed.

Have a look, if you have info, report it. Yes, I said report it. You you're paying and in good standing you have nothing to fear, but these folks are the reason for all of those threats you face.

Friday, February 09, 2007

Landmark ruling on child support

CanWest News Service was very quick to report that the courts, our "system", have the right to imprison a "Deadbeat Dad" for non-compliance with a court order.



The courts found that Kenneth Dickie has shown "complete disregard" for the Canadian justice system and that his attitude and resulting actions (or inaction) has caused "disasterous consequences" for his ex-wife and three children. Rochelle Cantor, the lawyer for Mr. Dickie argued that this amounted to debtor's prison as he was unable to pay, rather than unwilling to pay.



I invite you to read the article in full to understand more of Mr. Dickie's court ordered support of his ex-wife and children and current lifestyle he fled to when ordered to pay support that he considered beyond his means.



While the father's disregard for the courts is blatent and problematic, there are also concerns for this reader that the mother and her grown children are holding him responsible for thier current financial problems. I would wonder if there was some degree of living beyond their means that might contribute to this? As support ends (normally) at age 18, they're had several years to become productive members of society.



That said, his actions are truely deplorable and while we will never knwo the fine details those of us who fear the court system have this Dickie to thank for adding to the arsenal that the FRO and other agencies can use against those who are truly broke Those who cannot pay, as opposed to will not pay, support due to circumstances have a new and very serious concern to evaluate.



It seems that the courts have chosen to err on the side of protecting women from threats with no concern for the woman's own responsibility for living in a manner appropriate to her available resources.