Child Support Woes

I hear many complaints from people who are unable to collect their child support, do not get the remedies they are promised by the Department of Revenue for getting arrears paid, or in some cases, there are people who have been paying child support who are not getting their proper credits. This doesn't occur in every case, but in many cases, people are lost in the system and there are many questions about whether or not the Florida Department of Revenue Child Support Enforcement Division is being properly managed. The following article addresses one local woman's problem with child support, specifically the Department of Revenue. If you have had similar problems, please let us know about them and/or contact your local congressman/woman. Perhaps with a little bit of effort we all can help make some changes.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orl-asecsupport041909apr19,0,6230693.story

Another Bad Effect of Poor Economy

As the economy has yet to show any signs of real recovery, there are numerous after shocks that have been trickling down into the family law arena that were not anticipated. One of the effects is an alleged rise in domestic violence. Recently I read an article about the rise of domestic violence as a result of the stresses that come with bad housing markets, high unemployment rates and the dissipation of assets by virtue of the plunging stock market. While I'm not sure that there is 100%correlation to the bad economy and rising domestic violence cases, I do believe that stress can have an impact on how people deal with difficult situations and children. If you are currently in a situation where domestic violence is threatened, or has occurred, I urge you to seek help. If you live in Orange County, Florida please contact Harbour House at (407) 886-2856.

Virtual Time-Sharing

Technology is a wonderful thing and there are many ways that people are using technology as a tool when it comes to issues related to their children in divorce. It seems that many states are recognizing virtual visitation and have included this in their divorce decrees whereby parents are able to "visit" with their children online. I don't believe that virtual visitation should ever be a substitute for actual contact, but I think when children live in a different state from their parents, or in some cases, are in the military and overseas, virtual time with a parent is far superior to a phone call. I also think it gives children an opportunity to have a face to face conversation with a parent and allow them to share pictures and other visual things that may help the parties connect when they can't be together in person.