Why do courts feel child support is more important that visitation?

Question

Meaning...non-custodial parents are penalized if they don't pay child support or fall behind (garnished pay check, tax return, possibly new spouse's income garnished, jail time, etc...). While it seems like custodial parents can deny the other parent of seeing the child or control their visitation time with the child and not really be penalized for it...unless the non-custodial parent has the time and money to prove to the court that they aren't being allowed visitation.
It just seems like more measures are taken to assure that child support is paid over visitation rights.

I'm specifically referring to non-custodial parents who DO want to see their kids but are denied visitation by their ex...and also don't have the money to pay for an attorney/court fees due to having to pay child support amongst other bills.

Ummmm...why should a non-custodial parent(WHO PAYS CHILD SUPPORT) have to go to the extent of getting a second job just to have money to hire an attorney to enforce a visitation order? So it's okay for the custodial parent to not have to abide by the visitation order while the non-custodial parent is the scum of the earth if he (in hypothetical terms) didn't pay child support. Seems like it's all about money and not what's in the best interest of the child.

Ummmm...why should a non-custodial parent(WHO PAYS CHILD SUPPORT) have to go to the extent of getting a second job just to have money to hire an attorney to enforce a visitation order? So it's okay for the custodial parent to not have to abide by the visitation order while the non-custodial parent is the scum of the earth if he (in hypothetical terms) didn't pay child support. Seems like it's all about money and not what's in the best interest of the child.

Answer 1

Take it a step further.. why don't they penalize noncustodial parents who won't visit with their child according to the visitation agreement.. or one's who do not pursue enforcement of the court ordered visitation for what is best for their children..

If one wanted to enforce the court ordered visitation agreement, one would find the money.. perhaps they could take a second job, sell off some assets, disconnect from the internet for a few months, sell their computer, and "buck up" to being a parent.

Or, they could show up at the ex's house with the court order in hand on the day of "ordered" visitation with a police escort to help with the "denial" of visitation issue.

eww.. did I strike a nerve? Well, it would seem to me that the noncustodial parent has the right to ask in his / her petition for the other party to be responsible for the fees associated with the court action just as a custodial parent could do the same if the noncustodial parent was not abiding to the visitation terms.

Fact is, if one wants to see his or her child, there isn't anything that would stop them from obtaining whatever was necessary to do so. Or one could try my suggestion above regarding the police escort. You do what you have to do to be in the children's lives.. That's what being a parent is all about, sweetie.

Answer 2

You will need to use a mediator because even if you go through the state child support agency, they will not handle the visitation part of it. All they will do is enforce a child support order. It sounds like the dad is willing to do his part financially, but you and your son need a structured visitation schedule. Try the mediation. If you feel pressured or feel that you are being treated unfairly, drop it and go to court. You can represent yourself. Just remember through all of this to keep the childs best interest in mind. Your son needs a relationship with both parents. As far as child support goes, unless you agree to the amount he wants to pay, usually the mediator will let you know the amount he should be paying based on his income and what state you live in. Try the mediation, it can't hurt matters.

Answer 3

I get where you're coming from but courts try to regulate the money because it's what will keep the kid alive. Courts can't--and I believe shouldn't--try to regulate the emotional connection between parent and child.

That said, the system we have stinks. And it hasn't gotten much better in the 25 yrs since my parents divorced either. My dad made $12k in 1980 and was ordered to pay $550/month in child support for us kids. My mom's mantra, even after we're all adults and my dad's death, has always been he never paid enough or all of his ordered child support.

My husband has a daughter from his first marriage and her mom has done all she can to limit or deny visitation completely, though she calls him first if she moves and a child support check is late (they're taken from his checks and sent to the child support distribution center and then issued to her--it's her responsibility to make sure they have her correct address).

There are people who are going to abuse the system, either because they are stupid or because they feel "wronged" in the divorce and want to damage their ex as much as possible. Too bad they also damage their kids. Stupid jerks.

Answer 4

VERY GOOD QUESTION...i have no idea.. wish i knew../ why do courts give unwed fathers no rights if they have never married the women but give the women all the rights....but if they dont pay child support they go to jail..but if they dont get to see there children .. that is ok by the courts..i have look time and time again on the web for some help for my bf who was a unwed father . and there is nothing for him on it

Answer 5

Because oftentimes the only way to get the noncustodial parent to provide for the child is to attach it conditionally to visitation.

Answer 6

Pay the support and see your kid. It is a very simple process.

I am sick and tired of people that have to pay child support whinning about it.

Do you honestly think it is ok to see your child and be in their life, yet not support them??? You are sadly mistaken. It costs a lot of money to raise a kid.

Answer 7

well because the child can live with just one parent or any of its other family, i think they would rather see the child have money to be supported than anything...although it should be equal i think

Answer 8

Visitation, does not help to pay the bills, buy food, buy clothes, buy medicine, etc etc.

Answer 9

cuz kids dont eat visitation. they eat food. last menu i checked it wasnt no visitation burgers in it