Two former wives of a Massachusetts man joined forces and searched 10 years to find the father of their children. By the time they caught up with him in another state, Massachusetts officials calculates he owes $481,000 in child support.
The man has been charged with six felonies for failing to pay for the support of his children and may face up to 40 years in jail. If convicted, he also may have to pay a fine of up to $40,000. The mothers of his children are concerned that he will plead guilty to the charges and get off easy. The man states he wants to get back to work so he can start making payments.
Massachusetts spends $40 million each year trying to collect more than $1.5 billion in past-due child support. Nearly 24,000 noncustodial parents of children in the state are more than a year behind on payments.
Child support payments are calculated based on state-mandated guidelines. The calculation takes into account such variables as the income level of mother and father, costs for caring for the child and the cost of medical insurance. As with any divorce when children are involved, child custody and visitation issues must be determined and the decisions made become part of an order that the state can enforce against the noncompliant parent.
Source: Boston Herald, “Exes want accused deadbeat dad to pay,” August 27, 2012
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