Why child support - and not visitation rights?

Question

Why is child support enforcement propped up by over five billion dollars in federal funds each year, while the enforcement of visitation rights receives almost no special federal assistance?

Answer 1

It doesn't "seem" fair....and it isn't truly fair. I think it's hard to come up with a "right and wrong" in this situation. A FATHER SHOULD BE ABLE TO HAVE VISITATION RIGHTS as long as he is a good person. However, the courts - first and foremost - are going to make sure the kids are taken care of, fed, etc. Otherwise, they go on government assistance and that is not fair either. Once you father a child, it is your responsibility (as well as the mother) to take care of this child (and yes, that means cash). THEN you have to fight for visitation. No, I agree --- that part isn't right....

Answer 2

Until paternity is established, he has no rights to the baby, nor does he have any obligation to support it. Make sure paternity is established. (If he signed the birth certificate, then that's taken care of.) When that is done, the court will enter a support order. Visitation and child support are two distinct things. Generally, the philosophy is that support is something owed to the child by the parents and visitation is a right of the child. Contrary to what a poster above stated, it is NOT up to you whether the father gets to see the baby, even if you have full custody. The court should establish visitation rights and a schedule concurrent with the order for support. You do not have the right to withhold visitation, even if the father is not paying support. Doing so can land you in a lot of trouble. What you should do instead is go back to court and get an enforcement order.

Answer 3

because shild support has an agency.There are people that are hired by the state to process claims, checks and disbursement. There are buildings to maintain, salaries to pay, overhead etc...

Visitation is an agreement between parents and/or an order of the court - there is no need for federal funding. Visitation has nothing to do with anything financial. With the exception of supervised visitation centers - and many of those are privately funded.

Answer 4

because child support if not paid has the potential to impact the state by mothers who go on welfare or state medical for the kids, their is no cost to the state outright if a parent does not see their kid. I don't think this is right but money is what makes the world go around.

Answer 5

Two completely different things here. It takes money to raise a child or children whereas it only takes time to visit a child

Answer 6

to raise a child it cost money, the need of both parents is not necessary. some people are comfotable with out visiting thier kids. so why fight for it. see some parents out there would fight to pay child support but not fight for visitation. sucks i know but thats how it is.

Answer 7

I guess cause society thinks money is more important than relationship with your parents.
If you are having problems seeing your children I am sorry and hope for you and your kids sake that your x soon realizes kids need both parents, and I command you because so many dads don't care.

Answer 8

I understand that from a different point of view. My ex husband just asked for a modification to lessen his financial obligation but I didnt see him saying anything about the visitation schedule that he never adheres to.

Answer 9

Why should either one of them be "propped up" by tax dollars?!

Answer 10

cuz it takes money to raise child, not people.