ARE CHILD SUPPORT PAYMENTS FORCED FATHERHOOD?

On behalf of Askvig & Johnson, PLLP 

Many of the previous postings in this blog have discussed the issues that come up between married couples that decide they no longer wish to be married to each other. One of the issues that can become very emotionally charged and heated when children are involved is child support. However, child support is not only an issue for divorcing couples. Child support payments may become an issue for a couple with children, married or not.

Some have argued that making the father of a child make monthly payments for child support, even when they don't want to be actively involved in the child's life, is like forcing them into fatherhood. Those same individuals that make these arguments also often argue that men who accidentally get a woman pregnant have fewer rights than the mother-to-be. But is it fair to do away with mandatory child support payments therefore making child support optional?

On the other side of the argument, those in disagreement would state that making child support optional assumes that adoption and abortion are readily available and affordable for every individual that finds themselves dealing with an unwanted pregnancy. In reality, this is not the case. This side of the argument also states that it is false to equate child support payments with fatherhood. A man can opt out of fatherhood but still owes it to his child to make support payments to support the child's well being.

This issue is constantly up for debate, but in Minnesota parents are currently able to seek child support payments from the other parent of their child. The amount of these payments is determined by the child support formula. However, if couples are experiencing disagreements regarding child support payments it is always helpful to seek the assistance and guidance of an experienced family law attorney. An attorney will be well-versed in the laws regarding child support and help the parents resolve the issue as quickly as possible so that the child receives the support that they deserve.

Source: Salon, "No, child support can't be a choice," Carolyn Edgar, Nov. 7, 2013