One of the reasons for child support laws is to ensure that a parent is still supporting their child, even if the circumstances are strained or unique. For many, these payments are feasible, but there is also a large community of parents who have trouble coming up with the exact amount for every payment. A recent case in another state shows just how serious child support is for all residents – Coloradan or other.
While appearing in front of a circuit court judge, a man was sentenced to three years of probation as well as ordered not to father any more children until he can successfully and sufficiently show evidence that he can support his current children. This man owes a reported $50,000 in back pay for child support and another $40,000 worth of interest from having not paid his due amounts over the last several years. He is the father of nine different children, whom he had with six different women.
The man in this case appears to have enough child support payments that he has not paid and subsequently owes that the judge has prohibited him from having any further children. This law comes from a previous case in that state’s supreme court, saying that the judge could so prohibit someone from continuing to have children within the limits of their probation until that person is able to provide evidence of sufficient support.
As funky as it may sound to have procreation monitored, in cases like this one, where a parent cannot be financially responsible for their children, and especially there are many children, it may be best for the families who have not been receiving the payments. Colorado residents who are having difficulty providing for their children for whatever reason may wish to work with an attorney in order to modify their child support arrangement. Being clear about what is expected of each party involved could help alleviate some of the financial burden if a new arrangement is agreed upon.
Source: The Journal Times, “Deadbeat dad sentenced to probation, ordered not to procreate,” Kristen Zambo, Dec. 3, 2012