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DW 03/30/2012 6:20:00 PM
Attorney / judge Eric Williams of Kaufman County Texas has now been officially convicted of 2 felonies. The 'good ole boys' network in Kaufman county lost one of its kingpins! There's more on this at kaufmancountycorruption.com ...... now we need to get judge Howard Tygrett ousted!
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03/09/2012 8:07:00 PM
Then again, I guess ANY, "parent" would readily accept EQUAL RESPONSIBILITY OF THEIR CHILDREN in ALL aspects of the child's lives, rather than use their children for a meal-ticket!
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03/09/2012 7:59:00 PM
An iterest? THIS dumb mass is A PART OF THE PROBLEM! THIS moron has caused more children to be led off into lives of hell than what he's worth as a human bein. He convinced Judge merilee Lewis that MY boys would be better of with a, "mother" that had drug and alcohol addictions and HIV & Hep C that was shacking-up with a 12 time felon to include assault, gun charges, arson, drugs... ? My two boys and their, "mother" now average at least 21 visits from the Grapevine, Texas Police annually... NOW he's trying to be a Boy Scout? The REAL kicker? I have been trying to divorce that bitch for over 14 years! WE ARE STILL MARRIED!
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01/12/2012 10:20:00 PM
IVE BEEN FIGHTING THIS FOR YEARS !! IM A NON CUSTODIAL PARENT AND PAY EVERY 2 WKS... IVE PAID WELL OVER WHAT I WAS SUPPOSE TO IN INTEREST AND FEES ALONE. SINCE MY DIVORCE IN 2005 I HAVE GIVEN MY XHUSBAND 23,000.00 ON ONE CHILD I WAS BACK 5000.00 IN 07.
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C. 09/16/2011 7:13:00 PM
Continued comments from C.'s previous blog. The ex dropped the oldest daughter to her grandma's ( he has custody), instead of my house before my dad died with cancer. My mom was so glad she was back, did not go against him, so she can stay. Talking about a mess. This daughter has been living there part of junior year and now senior year. She still gets my help. I cannot afford an attorney and she is 17 now anyway.
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C. 09/16/2011 7:01:00 PM
I am a parent, a mom who was basically screwed, by the AG office and the court. I understand that some moms and dads alike have issue with this agency and the entire court process. I always did my best to communicate, update, provide information. The more right I did--the more they screwed things up for me and my family. Deadbeats and liars skate, while those who want to do right and try to follow procedure are penalized. Even if you come across a staff who is fair, they even know things may not turn out fair. I have been divorced almost 13 years and they gave custody of my oldest to her out of work dad who brainwashed her and was cheating me out of child support and medical support. I live in one town and work outside of town. I had to go to court in another town, further than my home and work (hello, gas, more expense). The AG office is in another town bordering my job. I have paid out of pocket medical cost for this oldest child. I was court ordered to pay medical support (can't afford) for this child and the daughter who lives with me, child support was called a wash, he was ordered to pay $50.00 towards arrears, $100 toward medical (that is not enough to help). He was originally court ordered to provide insurance and i had documents to prove it. AG and court drop the ball. He should Pay me half of Approx. $7,000 in prior medical/insurance expenses from the past (he was under court order). Not to mention he harassed me in the past, and I had two cell phones worth (and he did more than that). He told the court he admits he did some things he wasn't proud of. Well thanks AG office, you helped him be so cocky, he felt comfortable enough, to sit in the church at my father's funeral and place his hand on my back as I was leaving.
P.S. All fathers who can't work at the moment aren't bad. Those who purposely seek temp jobs for the purpose of evading child support, get welfare benefits, and have a pattern of 3 to 6 months breaks or more, may be a different story. Oh and those greedy moms who get good money and other support from fathers and are always giving them hell. Grow up and appreciate what they do!
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A. 05/12/2011 2:31:00 PM
I think you need your greedy little head checked. Why should someone else, male or female have to pay for a child they did not create? Just because you want more money?! It's not the child's fault they are here, nor is it the new person's fault or responsibility. It was your's and his, no one else's.And don't even get me started on visitation rights. As it seems there are none in this state, the only right supported is that they get their money and to heck with everyone else involved, especially the children!
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Guest 04/03/2011 7:10:00 AM
Law-schmaw. Pfft! Law says after a 4 years, a man is the father and responsible for the child(ren). AG says "if you know he's not the father, we won't make him pay", even though the law states otherwise. (I didn't want my estranged husband to pay; I wanted the department's ability to locate him so he would sign a denial of paternity.)
Why not have so-called rouge judges? Thank God someone is willing to take someone's interest to thought, besides their personal own interest. The so-called family agencies (DFPS, OAG, etc.) are all out of control and do whatever they want, too.
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Guest 04/03/2011 7:00:00 AM
What I think is absurd is that, in Texas, spousal income cannot be considered when calculating gross income from resources of the person paying support.
My bf spends way more than I receive in child support on my 3 children (more quality time with them, too). He assumed the financial responsibility when he asked us to move in with him. My family is blessed that this real man wanted to step up and become a daddy when he didn't have to. My ex's gf was in the picture and moved in before the ink was dry on the original petition... she knew what she was in for before marrying him. This obligation should be like debt- it's yours & when you marry someone (especially in a community-property state) with debt, it becomes yours, too. You want to play stepparent- you can pay, stepparent.
Aside from obvious problems here, I think "non-custodial" persons should be penalized for not taking their visitations or being late for them, instead of the state saying "You want dinner with them during the week, but it's okay if you don't feel like it this time, allergies and all," they need to be telling them "You asked for this time, and if you repeatedly don't take it, you'll be in contempt of a court order". Gee, if my head is in a bucket and my butt is watering the toilet, I still have to take the kids to and from school, make dinner, assist with homework, so on and so forth. I can go to the ER in the middle of the night- guess what, I still have to walk my chosen path and PARENT my children. I don't get to say "I'm sneezing; you keep them". I don't have the choice to say "Hey, I'm not letting you take them today"- my butt could end up in jail.
Bottom line, all this Texas Family Code BS needs to be streamlined and fast. And for goodness sake, it needs to be understandable to those who can't afford legal council on either side of the courtroom.
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Wendinikki1 03/02/2011 8:46:00 PM
Unfair? I was in Judge Hanschen's courtroom and he ordered my husband to pay child support among other things and my ex and his attorney put a divorce decree in front of this judge and it gave my husband custody and he didn't have to pay anything. We went back for the final signing of the decree, which I didn't sign because they changed it all, and my attorney tells Judge Hanschen that I am upset that my son has not been in school and is not being homeschooled and he said "doesn't mom have the child?" He didn't even know who we were. My son has not been in school or homeschooled for 2 years and the state of Texas doesn't care. I lost everything, my son, my home and have not worked in 20 years due to medical problems. I am homeless because of judge Hanschen. He doesn't read what is placed in front of him. He let the other side tell him what to do. What the judge says doesn't hold any bearing to what is on paper.
S. in Dallas
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Gregory Romeu 12/12/2010 6:33:00 PM
In February 1998 David Hanschen is a part of the reason I have not seen my two sons, (Now 15 & 16) for the past 13 years. He stepped into my divorce hearing in February 1998 without being the attorney of record for my wife and used his position as a judge to let my wife have, "Temporary Custody". My wife had run away from our home in Sept. 1997 taking our two young boys (2 and 3) and ended up in Dallas and I was, "guided" into the Dallas County court system by the Dallas Texas Father's for Equal Rights. The nightmares began soon afterwards. My wife now with HIV and Hepatius C and shacking-up with a 12 time felon, drug dealer and woman beater, Hanschen convinced Judge Marilee Lewis that it was in the, "child's best interest" to leave the children with the mother. I told the judge if she were give even temporary custody of my children to the mother that I would never see them again. I was wrong I had seen them again in December 2008. After 12 years of searching for the boys, I found my two sons on MySpace in October 2008. During my search I was injured in a bad truck wreck in 2003 leaving me on Social Security Disability. In 2006 the Attorney General's Office of Child Support Enforcement held a hearing in Dallas that I was not physically able to attend and gave my wife custody and a child support award in which the Attorney General's Office started garnishing MY Social Security Disability funds to pay a mythical $10,000 child support arrearage. There are only three things wrong with this whole picture: 1) I am STILL MARRIED to this woman, 2) When a parent draws disability from Social Security, their dependants AUTOMATICALLY get a check for their support based on that parent's disability., 3) I was successful in stopping the garnishment, (pillage) of MY disability funds only to have an attorney (I hired) transfer my case to the Tarrant County Courts to persue a 13 year saga to divorce this woman, only to have the Tarrant County Attorney General's Office re-start the garnishment, leaving my two sons with my wife living in squalor with an alcohoilic mother and dozens of police reports and interventions. Oh! She left the drug dealing felon back around 2001 when welfare put them in an apartment in Grand Prairie. I guess there wasn't room for a woman-beating drug dealer. OH! And this is ALL in the, "Best Inetersts of the Children".
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12/11/2010 12:19:00 PM
The reason for the corruption surrounding child support in Texas, as in other states, is the money paid to the state and it's courts by the federal government. Texas collected $2.6 BILLION from fathers and other men in 2008, and received approx. $260 MILLION from the feds. The Texas courts would be expected to have collected $26 Million as their share of the same scheme. Most (90 - 97%) of custody awards favor women, so it can be seen that collecting child support is a Communistic "TRANSFER OF WEALTH" scheme. It's a dirty business that harms children and society.
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Beth 07/26/2010 9:01:00 AM
It's true that Linda Duggan of forney is a false counselor. i have read a lot about her and also have had my own family experience with Duggan who was paid off by the other side and so lied on all her reports. Judge Howard Tygrett should know better and should not be putting Linda Duggan in charge of anything in any case. Linda Duggan is a total fraud. She has had dui's too. kaufman was some serous problems to say the least.
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Hailey 07/26/2010 8:49:00 AM
There is no reason for the hurt Howard Tygrett (judge in kaufman) has brought to people. I have two friends who have gone through divorce court in judge Tygrett's court and been very hurt by him. he's ruthless and has no rhyme or reason to why he rules the way he does. This guy either has no conscience or just doesn't realize how much he is hurting people. One of my friends had his kids taken away for no reason. Tygrett is a sad person and judge.
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Everyman 07/15/2010 2:44:00 PM
I am ashamed to live in these United States of America. The laws that govern these United States are shameful, unjust and a mockery of what this country once was. I will move to Europe where civilized society exists and leave this cesspool of a country I thought I once loved. I am not a parasite who uses this country's laws to promote my unemployment and parasitize off of men by means of child support. I am a man, an educated physician who say F&@k you!! to the US.
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Shane 07/13/2010 6:04:00 PM
Thank you for this site. There is a ring of corruption in Kaufman county that has got to be stopped. Many lives have been destroyed and many more are being destroyed by this clan of terrorists. Howard Tygrett, Eric Williams, Kathy Sayles (cps kaufman), Sandra Harwood (cps kaufman), and many others. Children, including my grandchildren, have and are being taken away from their parents by Tygrett because of favors done to him and his campaign.
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Chris 06/26/2010 12:20:00 AM
All of the men who have been victimized by these archaic laws, including myself must stand up for or rights as men and support Texas SB519. These archaic laws are in place to protect the woman from embarrassment, which inturn requires us by law under threat of jail to support a child who is not ours. The TRUTH should always prevail no matter the circumstance. Spread the word about this bill. The bill will do justice for all of us and make who is truly responsible, responsible. Our true families should not suffer because we must financially support children that are not ours especially if we have no contact with them. Once again please research Texas SB519, we are very close.
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Roger Mason 06/15/2010 2:44:00 AM
I ran into the same situation here in Florida when I requested DNA Testing of our daughter at the time of our divorce and she was three at the time. I have been refused on just about every ground a judge can devise so that I can not prove this little girl is not biologically mine. I have no problem paying the child support, but why should I if she is not mine?
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Curtis 06/04/2010 2:54:00 AM
My ex wife dissapeared 3 months after my only son was born. I had not seen or been able to find my son until his tenth birthday. My ex has re married and my son know her husband as dad. I fought to my her let me see him and finally I had 2 visits and he does not want to continue the visits. I honestly feel like she kid napped my son, taught him to take another man as his father and only wants money from me. Is it fair to have to pay child support for a child that dis not consider you to be his or her father. Why isn't there a law that statesoutside of a situation where abuse is envolved the if the women intentionally keeps the kid away the man doesn't have to pay. We need a true advacate for fathers not a system the keeps a foot on our throats.
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Jason 05/24/2010 10:58:00 PM
Linda Duggan is a very very dangerous counselor in Forney / Kaufman Texas who is appointed all the time by judge Howard Tygrett and who tells outright lies in her reports and in his court, on the stand. This means that Linda Duggan perjures herself under oath. He license has now finally been suspended for her criminal activities which include several DUI's in Dallas alone, not including other counties she drinks and drives in.
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Carlos Aquino 03/06/2010 1:46:00 PM
my sons mother fled to Texas over 7 years ago as she knew her income would not be considered for child support. This after she did not show up for the custody hearing in California and it is a 50/50 state and before that fleeing to North Carolina when my son was born. She has move 4 times in keeping my son as far as possible from me. He is now 14 and I have had to pay 4 attorney thousands of dollars to see him when I am paying all the support, medical premiums and all travel costs. We were never married! Where is the justice. The support is not even going to my son!
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Naomi Yap 01/09/2010 12:09:00 AM
To be perfectly honest ladies: I have been through it all, I mean really been through it all! After going on welfare to support my son and myself because my job didn't pay enough to pay the cost of rent, childcare, our bedroom we shared in an apartment with a room mate, gas, not to mention school loans and some other misc. bills for utilities. It was tough, but it tought me an important life lesson and drove me to make things better for me and my son. The court files for support for you when you are on welfare, so I got a check from his employer (garnished wages) of $34.00 a month! Almost disgusting, since he lived on the beach, and drove an infinity QX 35. Somehow, his parents made sure they paid for everything for him so he didn't have to pay support, which they promised that they were going to make my life hell if I didn't abort my son. After they tried to force me to about my sons father left and I didn't see him untill about a month before I delivered. Hoping for the best relationship, he show up High for the birth, stoned out of his mind, I asked him to leave the hospital. After that I didn't see him for more than 3 months. Neverless, I still encouraged the relationship with his son, but with some boundaries. At sometimes he would convence me that he was going to be a great dad, and then he would show up for visitations unprepared and begging me to stay while he spent time with our son. Soon, I realized that he was just uneducated and cluless about how to take care of a baby, so I intervened. He liked this a lot, I must have felt like a mother to him too, because he soon had feeling for me again and agreed to pay $400 a mont in child support, but not unless I agreed to let him violate me! It was control for him and it was a chance to get ahead for me. As soon as it happened I realized what it was felt the pain and emotional trama start to set in.
At this point I had went off of welfare when our son was about 7 months old. My ex had made me feel so guilty, I couldn't keep on taking money from welfare when I had let this happen to me.
As a single parent, sometimes you hit rock bottom, but your children are your priorty and you would do almost anything to keep them healthy and happy! Some times bad things happen and we are easy prey for the world to take on. Luckly, I had a few great friends and met a wonderful man who is not my husband who helped me see the reality of my life.
So, now at this point where are we? Thirty thousand dollars in attorney fees later and a lot of psychological games, we live here in texas and I have 95% custody of my son. No child support was issued, and no drug issues were resolved! Personally, I dont want his child support because of what it might come with. Control is what most fathers are looking for. I do believe that it is important that the relationship is important with father and son, but where is the line drawn when they are dangerious. Psychologically dangerious people are all around us and need help, how is the court protectiong the children from them and the single mothers. I know for a fact that my sons father has been diagnosed with opositionally defiant disorder as young adult (17) and this turns into many more more dangerious disorders such as Conduct disorder as an adult if not delt with. Single mothers, mothers, children, my advice to you is if he doesn't want to pay the support, maybe someone else will come into your life who will be the father to your children that they really deserve!
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T 12/19/2009 8:04:00 AM
Kaufman County Texas judge Howard Tygrett of Kaufman county Texas works in conjunction with CPS Kaufman, counselor Linda Duggan of Forney Texas, and attorney Eric Williams (guardian ad litem) to take children from their parents. These are the criminals who stole my son with no evidence ever presented to them of abuse. See the details here at www.Kaufman-TX.com
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Francis 08/29/2009 4:57:00 PM
I agree that father around America are being treated unfair. The government what the women to cheat and them get paid for it. It is a shame.
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misty 08/11/2009 6:12:00 PM
Hello,
I am tired of watching Pa Judge E. Cherry giving an unfair treatment to the men in the clearfiled county area. He has been known to pass judgement that the women pay $50.00 dollars a month to the father of their child but while child is in custody of mother the father pays $380.00 a month. He states his judment that the man receives $100.00 a month from is disability and that should cover cost for the children a month. So the total would be $250.00 a month now when the men have to pay it is $380.00 each kid. So for two kids the women would receive $760.00 a month. Look at the difference between $760 and $250.00 why are the judges not pushing for these women to get a better job to support their children why is it that the judge serve office under an oath to be just that they seem to allow this to take place in their court rooms? Why are we as US citizens not complaingin to the right government officials so something can be done? Who do we contact? Help Pa get ride of dead beat moms! Please the men are citizens of the US as well as the women this violates the mens civil rights to be treated equal.
thanks,
Misty
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PJ Gerrard 05/26/2009 5:22:00 AM
Wow a Judge has a real picturesque view on the nefarious machinations of government and doesn't like what he sees - so he is being treated as an enemy of the State ! Society best wake and smell the coffee ! It's high time that good people everywhere stand up and be counted on to clean up the cesspool of government sanctioned domestic terrorism by rogue government agencies and their agents. As in Texas and elsewhere (Canada) the current anti-family law system has been hijacked to serve the best interests of government agencies, agents and their masters; the Feminists.
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Chris Hobbs 05/25/2009 6:00:00 PM
Why are the mothers who commit fraud not held accountable?
Isn't lying under oath in court documents against the law?
Why are mothers allowed to abuse their children by telling them a man is their dad when they know he isn't?
There is no penalty for women to do this to their kids, to men, the tax payers.
Why is this allowed, encouraged, aided and abetted by the judges and lawyers and more importantly by We The People?
www(dot)WhyJudgeLittle(dot)com
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Lee 04/17/2009 9:24:00 PM
Hats off to the judge for doing the "right thing". I was told by the attorney during my divorce that it isn't about what's fair, it's about the law. Which seemed deplorable considering the statement read at the end of the divorce contained the word "fair". In Texas the focus is on collecting in the name of the children but once the money is collected no one ever goes back to check on the best interests of the children. Where is financial accountability for the parent receiving support? Most custody order are full of legal mumbo-jumbo that is only going to be enforced if the non-custodial parent has the extra cash to wage a legel battle. The part that will be enforced is the AG getting it''s hand into your wallet. The whole family code in Texas is flawed and unfair that is why there are so many deadbeat parents. Greg Abbott and his staff should be run out of office. I shake my head everytime I see him speak about what he has done for the children of Texas.
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Carl 02/09/2009 2:26:00 AM
The Texas AG makes even people who pay the child support into criminals in thier own minds. I myself have paid before my court hearing on the divorce child support. On the award of my monthly payments, the AG's office refused repeatedly to accept the payment history signed by my wife in a Afidavid. The more they demanded three thousand dollars the more I refused and presented the evidence. They stole the money from my bank account and even admitted in a phone conversation "We will interpet the judges rules as we want. And we don't care about what was agreed on by you and your former wife."
They are greedy monsters honestly and don't make dead beats pay, they ruin the people who do pay.
BTW they are 3 months behind getting my ex the child support. Whos the deadbeat again?
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Thirtypk 01/23/2009 7:31:00 PM
My issue is not like this article but I still feel it is unfair how they do treat some dads. I have two children with my exwife and I was paying child support for a couple of years and then I got re-married and continued to pay child support. In August of 1999 my exwife asked me to take my son, 12, to live with me but told me not to try and change anything legally or she would take him away from me. So picked up my son and he lived with me and graduated High School in 2006. In January of 2005 to May 2006 my daughter came to live with me and I had both children, but again I could not afford to hire a lawyer to help me get custody. To make a long story short my exwife called the attorney general and now I'm told I own over $28,000.00 in back child support. I've written letter to the attorney general requesting a hearing, I've faxed letters to them, and I've even called them to explain my situation but to no availe. Now I'm about to lose my house and my wife and two sons are going to have to live with someone else until we can afford to get us a new home.
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CAROLYN 12/27/2008 12:03:00 AM
WHAT CAN I DO IF THE FARTHER OF MY CHILD IS FATHERING ANOTHER CHILD BUT ENERY TIME I ASK HIM TO FATHER HIS CHILD HE CANT BECAUSE OF HIS WIFE WHAT SHOULD I DO EMAIL ME AT damu_money@yahoo.com can i sue
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EDW 11/03/2008 1:25:00 AM
And after all was said and done, the Court still told Edward Westbrook that the Attorney Generals Office who boastfully wrote they are a 'FRIEND of the COURT', that the Judge ruling was correct. They take your money, make up their own rules as they go and justify taking your money.
WHERE IS THE JUSTICE?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE THIRD CIRCUIT
Case Number: 03-06-00426-CV
Case Name: Edward D. Westbrook vs
Vanessa D. Westbrook
INFORMAL BRIEF
1. Jurisdiction: What order(s) of the district court or agency are you appealing?
I. ASSOCIATE JUDGES REPORT CONCERNING ORDERS �CHILD
SUPPORT ATTEMPT dated 23FEB2004.
II. RECOMMENDATION FOR ISSUANCE OF CAPIAS dated 22MAR2004
III. ORDER OF CAPIAS dated 23MAR2004 [INCARCERATED 10AUG2005]
IV. CAPIAS WARRANT/CAUSE 9910253 dated 24MAR2004
V. ASSOCIATE JUDGES REPORT CONCERNING AGREED ORDERS �
MOTION FOR MEDIATION dated 14NOV2005.
VI. ORDER WITHHOLDING FROM EARNINGS FOR CHILD SUPPORT dated
18NOV2005
VII. ASSOCIATE JUDGES REPORT CONCERNING AGREED ORDERS dated
24APRS006.
VII. April 24, 2006 and on May 26, 2006, a judgment was signed by the 98th Judicial
District Court in the case No. D-1-FM-99-010253
What is the date of the order(s)?
I. 23FEB2004.
II. 22MAR2004
III. 23MAR2004
IV. 24MAR2004
V. 10AUG2005 [INCARCERATED]
VI. 14NOV2005.
VII. 18NOV2005
VIII 04APRS006.
IX. 24APRS006 & 26MAY06, 98th Judicial District Court NO. D-1-FM-99-010253
When did you file your notice of appeal or petition for review?
MONDAY, APRIL 24, 2006 [See attached MOTION FOR NEW TRIAL]
[NOTE -Pursuant to Chapter 201 of the Texas Family Code, Edward D.
Westbrook appealed the findings, conclusions or recommendations by the
Associate Judge to which objections were made.]
2. Statement of the case: Explain the proceedings in the district court or before
the agency (i.e. what the district court or the agency did in deciding your case).
A. On MONDAY, APRIL 24, 2006, Edward D. Westbrook was presented with a figure of $12, 984.61, given to the court by a Representative of the Attorney Generals Office. Neither Vanessa D. Westbrook nor the Attorney Generals Office Person present PROOF of how this amount was determined and calculated according to the FINAL DIVORCE DECREE, dated 18TH of JANUARY 2000. Edward D. Westbrook was informed by Representatives of the Attorney Generals Office, that his signature was NOT a SIGN of ADMISSION to him owing the $12, 984.61. Representatives of the Attorney Generals Office firmly assured Edward D. Westbrook that his SIGNATURE was only NEEDED and REQUIRED to show PROOF that he was PRESENT for MEDIATION. Representatives for the Attorney Generals Office were honestly informed, prior to mediation, that Edward D. Westbrook could NOT AFFORD an Attorney and did not have LEGAL COUNCIL present during the time of mediation. At the time of mediation Edward D. Westbrook had just started a new job [July 25, 2005], was still in his probation period and had communicated with the Attorney General�s Office, via telephone, concerning his position. Because of the arrest and incarceration his employment and position was dangerously JEOPARDIZED
B. During court, April 24, 2006, ALL DECISIONS were been determined and finalized according to the FINAL DIVORCE DECREE, dated 18TH of JANUARY 2000, it is so stated on [Pages 14 & 16 (See attached Page 14/Item 3 & Page 16/Items 10 & 11�Labeled Exhibit A-I & A-II]. Written proof that Vanessa D. Westbrook was ORDERED to provide Medical Insurance Information to Edward D. Westbrook, via WRITTEN NOTICE of the AMOUNT of the PREMIUM, starting the YEAR 2000. Vanessa D. Westbrook failed to provide any insurance information and refused to communicate with Edward D. Westbrook, until it was so ordered by the courts on April 24, 2006. Vanessa D. Westbrook also FAILED to SHOW Edward D. Westbrook and the Court ITEMIZED DOCUMENTS of EVIDENCE for the AMOUNTS of MEDICAL INSURANCE PREMIUMS or CO-PAYS, other than a single document that totaled her insurance premiums, according to hearsay, since September/1995. In 1995, Vanessa D. Westbrook was the SOUL FINANCIAL PROVIDER, while Edward D. Westbrook was a FULL TIME STUDENT, UN-EMPLOYED and a STAY HOME DAD, taking care of their two young daughters, Erica Westbrook and Cara Westbrook, while Vanessa D. Westbrook worked, played and socialized. [Erica Westbrook was born July 29, 1988 and Cara Westbrook was born September 21, 1985] At the time of mediation, Erica Westbrook was 17 years of age and Cara Westbrook was 20 years of age. [See attached Pages 1 & 4 of ASSOCIATE JUDGE�S REPORT concerning AGREED ORDERS - MOTION for MEDIATION - Labeled Exhibit B].
1. There was no way possible to identify the documents presented to the court by Vanessa D. Westbrook, and no documented proof to indicate the insurance premiums were only for their 2-daughters, [1-High School and 1-College], who are the subject of this case, and not for Vanessa D. Westbrook.
2. Edward D. Westbrook is entitled to verifiable documentation regarding how much it cost Vanessa D. Westbrook to medically insure herself and how much it cost to insure their two daughters which is the only medical insurance Edward D. Westbrook was ordered to provide, according to the Final Divorce Decree.
C. On Friday, May 26, 2006, a trial was held in this case before Judge Bill Bender, which was the APPEAL FILED after the decision made on April 24, 2006, where a hearing was held in this case before an Associate Judge. On April 24, 2006, notice of the substance of the Associate Judge's Report was received by Edward D. Westbrook, by copy of written report delivered in open court.
D. During the hearing dated, FRIDAY, MAY 26, 2006, Representative for the Attorney Generals Office stated that the amount for back child support was a little over $7,000 and the insurance payments, since the year 2000 was only $670.00, a Grand Total Amount of a little over $7670.00. Also the amount of $3827.00 was collected when Edward D. Westbrook was arrested, incarcerated and held in the criminal system for five days. These amounts, minus $3827.00 do not add up to the Attorney Generals Office new total of $13,274.68. Vanessa D. Westbrook stated, during court time with Judge Binder, quote �I�m only asking for payments from 1999!� however the Final Divorce Decree is dated, 18th of January 2000. Please see court reporters report for Friday, May 26, 2006, which has already been submitted to the Court. Also, during court, Judge Bill Binder continually winked his eye at the Representative for the Attorney Generals Office and REFUSED to see any documents presented to the court in Edward D. Westbrook�s behalf, just before he ruled that he would not change the Associate Judges original ruling; which refused to do the same. It is clear that the Trial Court abused its discretion. NOTE:
(TX Code of Judicial Conduct-Canon 2: Items A & B;
Canon 3: Items B/2, 5, 8 &9 & C/4)
According to a representative for the Attorney Generals Office, during continued phone communication, Edward D. Westbrook was informed that after he provided work, un-employment and school history his payments would be MODIFIED and Payments FIXED [ADJUSTED] accordingly. However, during court, the Representative from the Attorney Generals Office, who acknowledged himself as [FRIEND of the COURTS], BOLDLY stated the court DOES NOT Modify or Adjust Payments. This action clearly shows LACK of INTEGRITY and DISHONESTY on the part of the Attorney Generals Office, and the Trial Court�s abuse of its discretion. In all due respect, it also shows NO FAIRNESS toward Edward D. Westbrook which, in this case, is very necessary to the DUE ADMINISTRATION of JUSTICE.
3. Statement of facts: Explain the facts and events that led to the complaint in the district court or the action before the agency.
A. In 1995, Edward D. Westbrook was a FULL TIME STUDENT, UN-EMPLOYED and the IN-HOME PARENT, OVERSEEING their 2-young daughters while Vanessa D. Westbrook WORKED, PLAYED and SOCIALIZED during the period of time charged in this case.
Concerning the 10- year period in question September/1995 until November/2005, Edward D. Westbrook is requesting the Court to MODIFY and FACTOR in his ability to pay both child support and medical support based on the period of time that he was actually employed and deviate from the child support guidelines in favor of Edward D. Westbrook. Furthermore, Vanessa Westbrook FAILED to notify Edward D. Westbrook of Health Insurance Premiums in the manner ORDERED by the Court, yet the Court fined Edward D. Westbrook in medical and child support arrears of $13,274.68. Vanessa D. Westbrook attempts to collect MEDICAL Support ARREARS and ADDITIONAL Child Support many YEARS later. In the interest of justice, Edward D. Westbrook should not be required to pay for debts he was never made aware, nor interest and/or amounts which have not been clarified and should be allowed to have PAYMENTS MODIFIED according to his WORK, SCHOOL and UN-EMPLOYMENT HISTORY.
[See attached Pages 1 & 8 HISTORY of EMPLOYMENT RECORD labeled Exhibit C-I and Pages 1-4 UNEMPLOYMENT STATEMENT labeled Exhibit C-II].
B. With all due respect, according to the Final Divorce Decree, dated 18th of January 2000, Vanessa D. Westbrook has VIOLATED almost every rule set out in the decree, including not allowing Edward D. Westbrook the right to have visitation rights of his daughters, during a time when Vanessa D. Westbrook took them from their home in Fort Worth and moved to Austin, absent of Edward D. Westbrook�s knowledge, over 10 years ago when he came home one day and all was gone and lost with her. Vanessa D. Westbrook did not attempted to communicate with Edward D. Westbrook, until recently, in which she is now at the end of her child support payments, July/2006. (See Final Divorce Decree Pages 20 & 22 labeled Exhibit F-I & F-II) At the time of Vanessa D. Westbrook�s departure from Fort Worth, Edward D. Westbrook was laid off from his job and Vanessa D. Westbrook was the SOUL FINANCIAL PROVIDER. According to his payment schedule, Edward D. Westbrook has a history of paying child support. (See PAYMENT HISTORY for DRO Account #118023-Labeled Exhibit D-Pages 1-5). It was only when Edward D. Westbrook was laid off from work that he was not able to pay child support, which during those times, Edward D. Westbrook communicated with the Attorney Generals Office of his unemployment status. Edward D. Westbrook was left homeless, by Vanessa D. Westbrook, who WIPED OUT-VACATED their home [took EVERYTHING from him], took his CHILDREN, ALL means of transportation [1-VAN & 1-TRUCK], moved away from Fort Worth and NEVER communicated with him until he received a letter from a an Austin, TX divorce Attorney, almost five years later, at his fathers address, 2709 Burton Avenue-Ft. Worth, TX 76105, where he was reduced to reside, because of lack of finances and transportation to get to work, or even a job interview. 2709 Burton Avenue-Ft. Worth, TX 76105 is an area where there is no public transportation. (Please see Final Divorce Decree, 18th of January 2000, Pg 2-Labeled Exhibit E). To add insult to injury, a Warrant was issued for Edward D. Westbrook�s arrest, March 23, 2004, unknowingly to Edward D. Westbrook, even after Edward D. Westbrook communicated to the Attorney General Office, via telephone, that lack of finances, unemployment and no means of transportation, would make it impossible for him to appear in court. (See Constable/Memorandum, dated 24th of March 2004-Labeled Exhibit G Pages 1 & 2).
E. In all due respect, as previously stated, this SHOWS NO DUE FAIRNESS to this case toward Edward D. Westbrook, which is necessary to the due administration of justice. In regards to the original date of April 24, 2006, ALL decisions were allegedly made according to the FINAL DIVORCE DECREE, dated the 18th of January 2000. The back child support was charged to Edward D. Westbrook during a period of TIME where Vanessa Westbrook was the SOUL FINANCIAL provider. At that time, Edward D. Westbrook was a FULL TIME STUDENT, UN-EMPLOYED and the IN-HOME PARENT, OVERSEEING their TWO DAUGHTERS while Vanessa Westbrook WORKED, PLAYED and SOCIALIZED. The Associate Judge still REFUSED to CONSIDER the MOTION FOR NEW TRIAL. The Associate Judge also REFUSED to ALLOW Edward D. Westbrook to present DOCUMENTS of PROOF of his UN-EMPLOYMENT, WORK, and SCHOOL HISTORY, in which he held present.
(See WORK, SCHOOL, UN-EMPLOYMENT - Labeled Exhibit C-I & C-II).
C. Edward D. Westbrook was arrested a year later, August/2005, where the Arlington Police treated Edward D. Westbrook like he had murdered someone; locked him up and through him in an Arlington Jail. Two days later Edward D. Westbrook was transferred to a Fort Worth Jail, then Three Days later Edward D. Westbrook was transferred to the Austin Jail, while chained down and hand cuffed like a murderer, to another criminal, during which time his arrest jeopardized his current job and position, where Edward D. Westbrook was currently still in his probation period. This all occurred because Vanessa D. Westbrook and the Attorney General�s Office abused his Civil Rights as a honest citizen and cased the Trial Court to abuse its discretion in modifying the child support and medical support order, as in the case of Graham vs. Graham, 25 S.W. 3rd 758 (Tex. App.�Houston [14th Dist.](Tex. 2001). .See Texas Family Code 156.401 (a)(1A &B) (2) (b1&2)(c)(d)
4. Statement of related cases: Have you filed an appeal or petition for review in this case before? If so, give title of case and docket number.
NO
Do you have any cases related to this case pending in the district court, in the court of appeals or before the agency? If so give title of case and docket number.
NO, I DO NOT.
5. Did the district court or the agency incorrectly decide the facts of your case? If so, what facts?
YES, THEY DID. The Court should reform the original order recommended by the Associate Judge and grant all relief requested in Edward D. Westbrook's prior and current pleadings.
6. Did the district court or the agency apply the wrong law (either cases or statutes)?
YES.
If so, what law do you want applied?
A. In the interest of justice, Edward D. Westbrook should be allowed to have PAYMENTS MODIFIED according to his WORK, SCHOOL and UN-EMPLOYMENT HISTORY. Edward D. Westbrook should not be required to pay for debts he was never made aware, nor interest and amounts which were never clarified. The Court should REFORM the original order recommended by the Associate Judge and GRANT ALL RELIEF requested in Edward D. Westbrook's prior and current pleadings.
B. Also Edward D. Westbrook�s CIVIL RIGHTS were VIOLATED when a WARRANT was issued for his arrest, based on Vanessa D. Westbrook�s testimony of false, untrue and incomplete documentation presented to the courts by the Attorney General�s Office in favor of Vanessa D. Westbrook. This warrant was issued and approved by the courts absent of Edward D. Westbrook�s knowledge, warning, prior communication or reasoning. Edward D. Westbrook was arrested, handcuffed, chained to another inmate, locked up, thrown in jail and treated like a murderer. He should be allowed a full refund of any over payments made, with immediate adjustments and his record should be exonerated. The Court should REFORM the original order recommended by the Associate Judge and GRANT ALL RELIEF requested in Edward D. Westbrook's PRIOR and CURRENT PLEADINGS.
See Texas Family Code 156.401 (a)(1A &B) (2) (b1&2)(c)(d)
7. Are there any other reasons why the district court's judgment or the agency�s decision was wrong? YES
If so, briefly state these reasons.
A. Vanessa D. Westbrook, who FAILED to notify Edward D. Westbrook of HEALTH Insurance Premiums in the manner ORDERED by the Court, should be PENALIZED for her MISCONDUCT and MALICIOUS ACT of using the Attorney General�s Office and the Criminal Court System to INCRIMINATE and IMPRISON Edward D. Westbrook in order to receive funds in the amount of $13,274.68, in which Edward D. Westbrook does not owe her, and according to his financial records, along with the order of the Final Divorce Decree, he never owed her. Vanessa D.Westbrook MANIPULATED, DECEIVED, USED and ABUSED the court system WRONGFULLY, ILLEGALLY and MALICIOUSLY in her effort to collect additional funds [more money] for Child Support and Medical Support from Edward D. Westbrook YEARS later, during a time in which Vanessa D.Westbrook knew she was the Soul Financial Provider for the time period she was attempting to seek additional support. Upon receipt of Edward D. Westbrook�s arrest, Vanessa D. Westbrook received an amount equal to $3827.00, plus any and all additional fees that were added to the charge. The courts decision should IMMEDIATELY be REVERSED in Edward D. Westbrook�s behalf.
8. What action do you want the Court of Appeals to take in this case?
The Associate Judges original decision should be immediately reversed, by the courts, in FAVOR of Edward D. Westbrook.
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Sue 10/05/2008 11:38:00 PM
I have been working in family law for fifteen years in pinellas county, florida. I have pretty much heard it all and seen it all. The system as it is now is positively rife with holes and possibilities to commit fraud, the federal government says "do it" so the state does it....meaning just as little as they think they can get away with and of course the federal government provides no oversight to be sure that people's rights are not being trampled upon. In florida substitute service is not properly enforced, as long as the person answering the door is over 15 and doesn't tell the sheriff (or if the sheriff even asks as they are supposed to) that the respondent doesn't live in the home they can leave the paperwork there and it's good substitute service....they have even been known down here to leave the paperwork with the petitioner...now come on what a hole that that is, just lie, lie, lie and you end up with a good support order that respondent can do almost nothing about. We finally have a "disestablishment of paternity" act in florida but there are so many restrictions on it that almost no one can even use the statute and it's not available to the mother at all, only the father. Florida Department of Revenue down here is the biggest circle jerk going, they take no responsibility for anything and screw people over constantly and of course....absolutely no oversight unless you file in court and set a hearing. They have had administrative judge capability for several years but they very rarely do anything that way so it doesn't save anyone any time at all. This agency has been known to seize joint bank accounts (heck even the IRS can't do that) and make folks prove where the money came from...... Then we won't even get into how they send out notices with wrong addresses to the parties or to where the hearing is being held. They make huge messes and then leave it up to the parties to clean it all up....and as usual....doesn't do a single thing about making sure the one paying support is getting visitation or even knows where their child is. Florida also doesn't have any clear law on what happens when a parent is disabled and gets disability payments, the child is entitled to those payments but the custodial parent (who is the only one that can file for it) refuses to do it out of a desire to make the non-custodial parent miserable. There is free legal help to get the custodial parent support but nothing to get the non-custodial parent's support modified when it needs to be. I really hate this state but the main issue is that people do not believe that they have any responsibility to go tell the court when the kid gets dropped off at their doorstep that is what's got to stop. There needs to be more education of the legal system especially with support. Personally I think if we started taking boat loads of teens and making them sit in child support court a few times they'd think twice before having unprotected sex. I also think we need to start handing out paternity forms in the maternity ward and offering free paternity testing at the same time.....we need to stop with this "aversion" to sex education and prophylatic devices this stuff needs to be taught and needs to be freely available.....kids do it because it feels good just accept it and try to make them responsible, don't try to hide it under the rug. Anyone with the misfortune to be stuck in the child support system knows what a mess it is...they need to pull their heads out of the sand and try to address the problem not ignore it like so many do.
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JOHNNY WILEY 09/16/2008 7:09:00 PM
IF ANYONE IS READING THIS, PLEASE CONTACT ME. I TOOK A DNA TO PROVE THAT I DIDN'T FATHER A CHILD. I WENT TO COURT TWICE AND THE MOTHER OF THE CHILD DID NOT SHOW UP ON BOTH CASES. THE JUDGE AT THAT TIME KEPT GIVING HER CHANCES TO COME. I AM GETTING MONEY TAKEN FROM ME EVERY PAYCHECK AND NOW I AM ORDERED TO PAY FOR HEALTH INSURANCE FOR A CHILD THAT IS NOT MINE. I HAVE A 4 YR OLD DAUGHTER AND A BABY THAT WILL BE BORN IN FEB. OF 2009. THEY R TAKING FOOD AND CLOTHES FROM MY FAMILY AND GIVING IT TO A CHILD THATS NOT MINE. MY WIFE AND I WANTED TO GO TO CANCUN, MEXICO FOR A VACTION, BUT I WAS DINIED A PASSPORT BECAUSE I OWE CHILD SUPPORT FOR A CHILD THAT IS NOT MINE. I HAVE THE RESULTS OF THE DNA. IF YOU ARE READING THIS, COULD YOU PLEASE HELP ME OR DIRECT ME TO SOMEONE WHO CAN. MY NAME IS JOHNNY WILEY AND YOU CAN CONTACT ME AT 817-566-6293 OR E-MAIL ME @ jay.wiley@live.com. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
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foster cochran 09/10/2008 9:26:00 PM
Im having the same problems in California and have been for 8 years, what can I do
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Kesha Smith 07/17/2008 6:09:00 AM
I agree whole hardily with the article. Changes definitely need to be made. What about the fathers who pay child support without ever being ordered and have the cancelled checks to prove it? i was involved in a situation where, the mother after 15 years put child support on my husband just because, and she admitted to this fact, he was marrying me. He paid her every month faithfully and just because of spite, she decides to seek child support. the child is 15 years old now, there was no reason for her to do this other than spite. i think there should be a more in depth investigation into the father and their history of doing the right thing. a mother should not be allowed to get mad and then seek child support because she is not concerned about the child, she's a woman scorned. i think that the child support process should be determined on a case by case basis because not all fathers are "dead beat dads". Women are also dead beat when they refuse to get a job and rely solely on welfare and child support. the government should have restrictions for these mothers. I to receive child support and i have been employed on my job for 15 years and my children's father have nothing to do with them, so i had just cause to involve the child support agency. But before i did this formally, i gave them every opportunity to take care of their children on their own, but you can't make some "boys" be men. My oldest son's father hasn't paid a day of child support a day in his life, because he is a father in every sense of the word, and he even helps take care of the 2 that aren't his, so why would i make this man pay child support. Some women are greedy and most of the time they don't spend that money on their children. They lie on these men simply because of jealousy and something should be done. The AG's office should start making these mothers answer some questions like why can't you get a job and help take care of your own children. All men aren't dead beat dad's and the AG's office needs to recognize this fact and start acknowledging that some women are sluts, gold-diggers, and only want money, i'm a woman and receive child support, but i was raised to not treat people any kind of way and not be vindictful because a man has chosen to go his own way and doesn't want that woman anymore. They need to get a job, get over it, and try to provide a future for themselves and their children.
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William P Marseglia 07/10/2008 3:57:00 AM
Judge David Hanschen is a remarkable judge. I have the highest respect for this one Texas judge that gets it right. You other judges observe and learn. Good work Honerable Judge Dave. We need more of you around. I just cant get over how terrific that article was. My son was in the Iraqi crossfire for a year only to come back to TX and get a miessly two week visitation this year with his son. He paid gobs of child support.
Bill Marseglia
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West 05/31/2008 5:09:00 AM
I could make a lot of comments, but I will limit this. I have a client who wanted to have testing done to prove her husband was not the father so he would not be around the child (for reasons I won't elaborate). He admitted he did not even know her when the child was conceived, but the law would not allow her to exclude his paternity. However, in the end he decided to relinquish his rights to that child and two others they had.
The attorney general's office here does not mind if people take paternity tests (as long as it is within the law). The Title IV Associate Judge who hears the AG cases here said that about one-third of the time when testing is done, the alleged father is not the biological father.
A lot of people are happy to support children who are not their biological children. They may have adopted or maybe they just love their stepchildren, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, etc. They don't desert children who love them like Antonio's "daughter" just because they are not biological parents.
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GL 05/17/2008 2:13:00 PM
And to think I thougt I was the only one screwed by the AGO! I paid child support for my son, had it taken out of my check so that there would be a record, and thought all was well. 3 years after the divorce, I retired from the military and started working in the civilian sector for less money. I left the payments for child support alone. I mean, after all, I was supporting my son. 2 years later, BAM, I noticed my paycheck was a little short. After a few calls, I was notified that my ex had filed for more money and the state agreed with her. I tried to have the payments reduced and was close, but she stated, WITHOUT proof that I owed her money. That ended the meeting. I was told I could go back to court to TRY to have the payments reduced, but it would be unlikely that it would happen. She could go in and demand more money without proof and get it. I had proof that I made less, and was not behind and was ignored. Thankfully, it is over now. BTW, I paid 750.00 a month for 4 years for 1 child. Deadbeat dad my rear-end!!
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Robert Gartner 05/10/2008 6:39:00 PM
This is an outstanding article. Judge Hanschen should be supported by all of us for going against the grain of 'bidness-as-usual' in the offices of the OAG Texas, Greg Abbott, Dan Morales, John Cornyn, Jim Mattox. Jim Mattox posted billboards around the State wich stole from Michael Jackson, using the theme,colors, and writing style form the "Bad" album and stated on the sign: "Whose Bad?" "Fathers who dont pay thier child support." Then there were the chicken and chimpanzee posters in the offices of the Houston OAG depciting men as animals.
So you see readers, the OAG's offices havbe a deeply ingrained predatory bent fueled on greed, fueled on the womens movement such as it has been, and fueled on federal DENIAL for not correcting one of the largest problems with Welfare when it went to Welfare Reform, which was how women learned to drive fathers from the arms of thier precious children.
I hope Judge Henschen and Lynn Cherry rout the EVIL within the OAG and the policies thatcommodify children and mostly their fathers.
Robert Gartner
Houston, Texas
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anon 05/07/2008 1:28:00 AM
Yes, they are TRYING to make a deadbeat out of you (bear in mind; deadbeat is a false use of the word to begin with). It is done on purpose so Abbott can collect the maximum federal dollars. Now days, they encourage judges to assign child support way above the maximum guidelines for the same reason. The Texas Attorney General is an unconvicted criminal in my opinion.
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Victor Henderson 05/05/2008 11:51:00 PM
If I hear the term dead beat "DADS" I think I am going to scream. How about Dead beat PARENT?
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Kevin 05/03/2008 2:56:00 PM
The Texas OAG has just put a lien on my checking and savings accounts and left me overdrawn. My paychecks are direct deposited and I leave all of my bill money in there until the first of the month, so everything is due right now. I have no money to pay my house payment, electric bill, car insurance, or buy groceries. I don't have enough change in my house to fill my gas tank so that I can get to work all of next week until I get paid again. I am going to be late and short on every bill. I don't understand how they can do this without some kind of hearing. All they'll tell me is that it was a court order and they aren't happy with the amount I've been paying over the past twelve years. Yes, PAYING. My child support comes directly out of my paycheck and it's showing current and up to date on the OAG site and no legal action is listed there. My kids are in their 20's and I'm only paying towards an arrearage from times that I was laid off. My ex-wife remarried a dentist and divorced him. She received over $300,000 in her settlement, a house, alimony, etc. She needs for nothing and has the luxury of going back to school - again - while I face losing absolutely everything and haven't had a "luxury" since my divorce. The OAG is uncooperative, won't explain anything to me or give me answers, won't even acknowledge the fact that they are collecting the support on a court order out of another state - and THAT state says they have no action against me because I'm current. They even sent that information to the OAG who says they will still keep my money and *MAY OR MAY NOT* remove the massive lean from my bank account so that I can start paying towards the overdraft fees. How do they think I'll manage to get to work so that I can pay my next child support payment? How will I keep my house? They hang up on me when I demand answers. I am appalled that they would treat a PAYING parent this way. It's unfair and it doesn't seem legal. I don't even get to read the court order that put the lien on my accounts and wiped me out? I had no right to know about it before it was all said and done? How is that possible? Are they trying to make a deadbeat out of me?
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TommyV 04/26/2008 8:19:00 AM
I have to thank you all for your comments (except Rachel). I assume this issue has somehow and in someway touched all your lives. I thank you all because it's a little more comforting to know people are on my side when our laws clearly are not.
I wont go into great detail but I have just discovered that I have been a victim of Paternity Fraud (this week). I was raised (ignorant, i guess) that if you do something, you take responsibility and back then I dont think this was even conjured up yet that a woman could do this to someone. I married a girl that had an existing child and I fell in love with her, married her but being too young I guess we fell apart.
We separated, I moved off and a couple months I get the knock on the door - I'm pregnant with your child. OK. I get back together with her thinking I'm doing the right thing. A couple more years go by and of course it aint working, so we go our separate ways. I was ordered to pay child support by the state. Fine. During some of that time I was forced into low paying contract work (cash money) and couldn't afford to breathe much less make payments at the time.
I did go back to work legitimately and started paying again for ever - even went to court to upgrade my own support so I could pay off the arrearage. I get a call from my x that my son is not mine and that she was sleeping with another "(kid)" during our separation. I do a paternity test and sure enough - damn. I cannot even begin to tell you what the AG and this woman have done to me over the years denying my visitation, seizing my bank accounts, suspending my license�s, demanding payment. All the while, all the years knowing in her heart.
I cannot even fathom what type of human being could this not only to me but to her own son - I am beside myself, cannot think. Not only that - I have not heard one word from her since the test came back to even say screwoff, sorry for your bad luck, gotcha, anything... Every ounce of the definition "Civil Lawsuit" is my situation but our laws wont allow it. Spill some coffee on yourself - got a lawsuit. Slander someone - got a lawsuit.
I will be looking up some of the names in this article for help - Thank you Dallas Observer.
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TJ 04/25/2008 3:38:00 PM
Let me get this straight.....Texas won't allow DNA paternity testing after 4 years.... But, if, your a child over 4 years old, and you are the child of a mother living in a compound in West Texas.... then DNA teasting all around for all ages ! ! ! ! The Hypocrisy is aboslutely astounding !!!!!!!
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anon 04/24/2008 4:19:00 PM
Rachel,
I also feel sympathy for that little girl. We should have compassion for the victims and prosecute the perpetrators. In this instance, the victims are the the little girl and the father. The perpetrator is the woman who had the adulterous affair which destroyed the family.
Your solution would reward the bad parent and punish the good parent. All this would do is encourage more bad behavior and destroy more families and harm more little children.
If you think that the only thing a parent provides is money, then your solution makes more sense although still not enough. However, if you think a parent brings love, protection, and promotes acheivement and self-esteem, then your solution breaks down completely. FORCING a person to maintain a relationship will never work and will only breed resentment and the attorney general's efforts are only to certainly destroy that little girl's only chance with a loving relationship with that man.
You have seen the tactics of that attorney general. His only goal is to maximize child support collections at any costs for his political gain. Noncustodial parents are now routinely assigned child support which is often beyond their means to provide. When they fall behind, their licenses are often taken away, reducing still further their means of earning money. Finally, they are jailed for non payment for a civil debt in what amounts to debtors prison. There is no due process, equally before the law, or the following of civil procedure. Destroying the man does no good for anyone.
I believe that man feels sorry for that little girl and would love to see her but must protect himself from the predatory practises of the attorney general. It does her no good for him to be destroyed.
Let us protect the victims and punish the perpetrators for the sake of the children like that little girl. Of course, if we assumed equal physical custody in the event of a divorce, we would not have nearly the problems we have and the attorney general would not be encouraging the use of bounties to destroy familes.
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Rachel 04/24/2008 7:42:00 AM
While this was an excellent article dealing with the flawed TX laws regarding establishing paternity and financial responsibility in terms of child support, I think you did your readers a disservice in not more closely examining WHY the laws are as they are. It may seem unfair to impose a 4-yr statute of limitations on challenging paternity, but the very last bit of the article explains EXACTLY why such a limitation is in place. After 4 years, a child has a relationship with and and an identity attached to the man acting in the role of "daddy" in her life. In the case discussed here, a 7 yr old girl is left heartbroken and rejected by the father she loves, with no clue as to why. The law is saying that after 4 years, your relationship with the child is what primarily determines paternity, not simply your genes. And that, people, is exactly the whole point of parenthood. Ask anyone who has adopted a child (I have not). Divorced parents of adopted children don't get to skip out on child support. Why should these folks? They have raised the child, and that makes them a parent. Are you willing to tell that little girl in the story to suck it up, he's not really her daddy? The laws are intended to be in the best interest of the child, and from an emotional, life-ling stance, the existing law is in the child's best interest. Shame on this judge for not realizing that. Yes, people need to know genetic history for health reasons, but that is all. And shame on DO for not going more in depth and presenting a biased position in favor of the judge and these fathers. What about the kids?!?
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anon 04/19/2008 2:05:00 PM
Good ol' Greg Abbott. Refuses to have DNA testing to applied to men who are almost certainly not fathers so he can illegally extract large sums of money from them to increase his political power.
At the same time, he is putting huge pressure on the people of San Angelo to order DNA testing on all the children and the parents in the Mormon compound so he can again, maximize the amount of monety he can extract for his political power.
Based on one unidentified caller who claimed to be a minor trapped in the basement, Abbott wiped out a community. The caller turned out to be a 33 year old woman in Colorado with a history of false reports such as these. She was easily found by a reporter although Abbott, with all the power of the state, was unable to.
He now has the children locked up and away from the public where yhere is no oversight. Not surprisingly, he will probably find plenty of "evidence" if he has to beat the children to do so.
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E. Thurman Wells 04/14/2008 10:34:00 PM
DNA testing is getting way out of hand. So are the Family Courts AND the way Child Support is handled. The DNA records on those children should have been sealed, and thankfully they were. Look at the cases where the Mothers demand DNA testing to prove the Father isn't the Father! Ban DNA testing from the Family Courts. If the Child Support regulations are not put in line with financial reality, what we will continue seeing is more and more men refusing to pay, AND more violence. The Family Courts are simply a mess, a disgusting mess. And, children are paying the price for that nonsence. I have to wonder if the father in this case would have objected to paying child support if it had been equitable and fair in the amount. Or, if his vindictiveness was kicking in because it was provoked by a dang lawyer. Those children bonded to him as their Father, regardless of what any lawyer or Judge ignorantly decided. In my view, the State has opened up Pandora's Box. England actually used the American version of the Family Courts for a while and it caused such havoc they had to shut it down. More studies are going to be necessary. This crap of Family Courts being either for Daddy, or for Mamma, disgusting lawyers "doing battle", DNA, dragging in psychologists and forcing paid visitations has to stop. These are supposed to be Courts of Law, not Courts of Social Havoc. The Judge in this case should be disciplined. Further, the State is NOT going to escape the reality of supporting single parent children. The day the State decided women could put their children somewhere after their jobs and fun in bars, was the day the State became liable for all or part of the care and support of her children. I am a Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. We did Court Watches on the Family Courts in the past and nothing has been a more sorry state of affairs in our Court system. It is so vile, it defies description. In fact, I do not advise anyone to use the Texas Family Courts for anything. Most of the problems in those courts are due specifically to the behavior of the Family Court lawyers, and Judges who have no business on the Bench.
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Izzy 04/14/2008 1:20:00 AM
Wow, I don't know where to begin about my comment. I thought this article shows how there are no father's rights in the state of Texas. I glad there is a judges fighting for us men who have been betrayed by women who make false accusations and being prosecuted first then get the truth later. Judge David Hanschen will get my vote in November.
First off, I am a parent of a 2 year old. I did not even know I was a father until she was 2 weeks old. Yes, I will admit, when told I fathered a child, I wanted a DNA test. This individual I had a child with is a compulsive lier. I was looking out for the best of my interest. When I told her I wanted DNA testing, she tried to make me feel guilty stating I'm a dead beat dad. What the hell, do you call that fair? Of course, after meeting my daughter for the first time, I knew she was mine. And to this day, I'm in her life as much as I possible can. Yes, I pay child support thru the Attorney General's Office. But you know what, after paying child support and require to have her on my medical insurance, I can barley support myself. I'm living check by check. I may have to take a second job while my ex can take advantage of government funding. Do you call that fair? Why is it i can't claim my daughter on my Taxes? Why do I still have to supply my own things for my child when child support should go to that? Why can't i get government funding so I can go back to school to better myself and give my child a life better than what I have?
I feel for Antonio, if he is not the bio-logical, he should not pay child support for the girls. Yes it hurts knowing the little girls assume he is their father, but in reality, the ex is the one who caused all of this pain. I personally think there needs to be laws to punish women who wrongfully accuse men for child support. Before a woman files for child support, there needs to be a mandatory DNA Test to verify a bio-logical parent before it gets out of hand.
I so much more to say about this topic but, if I continue, my comment will end up being a book. I'm not trying to say women should not get child support, but I feel women are taking advantage of the system. And right now, the system is all about the women are right and men are wrong.
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G. Brewer 04/13/2008 9:28:00 PM
That Greg Abbott is a very poor role model for our children and families is obvious. What is less known is that HIS role model is Senator Cornyn.
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fukcabbot 04/13/2008 7:46:00 PM
The AG office has a program where they actually train hospital employess to encourage fathers to sign the acknowledgements of paternity. I'm glad the Observer has published this article. Few people are aware of these problems that have not gone through this personally. Father's rights are the Roe v. Wade of our generation.
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Les Jobst 04/11/2008 5:21:00 AM
Another article that clearly shows the shark feeding frenzy mentality that takes place once there is a bounty placed on the head of a child after a divorce / paternity action is filed by a mother. Who gains "Profit & Power" from the chaos being imposed on our children in these situations? Answer: the "Divorce Industry*"!!!!!!!
Les Jobst - Mpls., MN
Families-4-Justice & Fathers-4-Justice
www.f4j.us
* Custodial Parents, Legislators, Lawyers, Judges, Child Support Magistrates, County Attorney's, Bar Association, state & county Department of Human Services staff, evaluators, mediators, and guardian at-items
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Ken 04/10/2008 5:10:00 PM
Don't know what I should I say. Not sure how secure the current marriage. I know some married men or women still go to some dating site to date others like BiLoves, which is exclusively for bisexuals and bicurious looking to explore their sexuality. Of course, there are also many singles. As I know, those singles are very hot and sexy.
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Badia McGlaun 04/10/2008 4:37:00 PM
Right is right and wrong is wrong. To make a man, who is not the biological father, pay child support for a child that the AG's office knows is not his is very wrong. And then for the higher-ups in the AG's office to try and bring charges against Judges for alledged misconduct and they way they went about it is out right disgusting. Shame on you!!
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rebecca 04/10/2008 1:27:00 AM
a whole bunch of crap my x husband was ordered to pay 201.00 a month for 2 kids that was 2 years ago he hasnt paid one red cent but yet he gets away with it after dna has already confirmed there his kids he still wont pay wont get into trouble and wont get a job i feel sorry for the guys out there paying for kids who aint there's but i hate the dead beats who have kids and wont pay for them
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Joseph 04/09/2008 10:21:00 PM
I agree, there should be more testing for paternity in ALL support cases. There needs to a complete overhaul of the Child support office
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anon 04/09/2008 3:20:00 AM
I assume you mean Greg Abbott, of course.
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Someone Aware 04/09/2008 3:17:00 AM
I am so glad to see the Observer along with so many people rewarding this kind of misguided judicial activism that is backed by a lackluster career and obvious inexperience. Thank you Dallas for electing Judge Hanschen.
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Paul 04/09/2008 1:24:00 AM
For those interested, the entire opinon dealing with this mess can be viewed on the 5th court of appeals website. Search opinions using the Judge's name.
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Robertson 04/08/2008 11:34:00 PM
I think it is important to remember that the enemies of our families like to divert us by trying to make a gender issue of this. The system does not care what gender a victim it destroys is. It only cares that it destroys a person to make the Title IV money. Many victims are women as are half the children the attorney general harms. This is not a gender issue. It is a civil rights and Constitutional issue.
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patillio 04/08/2008 9:44:00 PM
The prejudice against men is incredible.
Women have the power to decide who they go to bed with, whether or not they have protection, whether or not the men has protection before they have sex.
Then once there is a child, women DECIDE if they should keep the child or not or get an abortion.
She can even kill the child once the baby is born and maybe not even face charges
She then can lie to a man, no statue of limitations on how long that lie can last.
She cant keep her legs closed because she is looking for love or security or daddy but not being married.
Remember, unless raped she is in control.
When she's in control we dont call that rape, unlike whne a man is in control.
Then the taxpayes have to take care of her and child unless she has tricked the male.
And the courts accept that antiquated crap on their part????
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Anon 04/08/2008 6:57:00 PM
I have to agree completely. We have an attorney general who is passionate about perpetuating frauds on citizens and victimizing parents and children alike for his own personal political gain.
This does not protect children and it provides them with a horrible example
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TW Harris 04/08/2008 6:42:00 PM
I agree with the judge. I spent 30+ years practing family law and have been appalled at how a court (based on law of course) will allow and perpetuate a fraud on the court. People are human and people have "affairs" kids are born. It is not right for a man to pay support on a child just because it was born during his marriage. He did not marry the Virgin Mary. The present statute of limitations should go out with the ol Lord's Mansfield law that would not allow a person to question paternity of a child during marriage. We changed part of the law to question paternity in a divorce so now take it to the full extent. A child is just as illigitimate after 4 years as is before 4 years.
Safety and welfare of children is the age old addage people like to use. We want our young people to learn what truth, justice and fairness is and do what is right. Why then does the court and legislature want to perpetuate fraud.
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Mimi 04/07/2008 8:03:00 PM
I think that it is a crime within itself for an agency to make someone pay support to a child that DOES NOT belong to them. How can you say that you want deadbeat dads to support their children when you are legally allowing then to have someone else support their children. I think that if you really wanted them to support their children you would not allow other men to take care of then, but of course we all know that if you are looking for funding it doesn't matter who you get just get someone. I hope that these judges prevail in this case because it is ashame to think that an agency that claim to look out for children would do this. I know that they really don't look out for them because if they did things would not be in such a mess as they are now and have been for many years. I think that the AG know this, that is why he is attacking the judge in such a personal manner.
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former OAG employee 04/07/2008 7:40:00 PM
The OAG office is a fraud for collecting TANF monies back for the State. That is the major reason they want AOP's from father regardless if they are the real fathers or not. They want to make sure that they can collect child support so they can take out their funds for TANF. Also people may want to know that the reason why the OAG does not collect on cases without TANF because the offices have quotas to meet inorder to get money back for the State. So if you don't have any TANF money on your cases you are moved back to the end of the line for collections. Also cases for review on based on TANF cases and barely would the OAG accept enforcing cases with out TANF. There are so many things that go on in the offices that the general parents aren't aware of. Also understand that the AOP's are signed usually at the time of birth not giving the fathers a chance to really look into the situation, and check the minimum age to sign the AOP interesting stuff.
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Melyna 04/07/2008 5:16:00 PM
David Cary, what does Republicans have anything to do with this? This is about American family values, regardless of being red or blue. I am sick of political parties claiming stake on a particular issue. It's pointless to blame a judge for being "Democrat" or "Republican". They are elected to uphold the law, no matter what their political affiliations are.
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Jennifer 04/07/2008 4:49:00 PM
I have been divorced from my childrens' father for almost 8 years. This is the type of story that has caused me to NEVER file for CS from him. 2 years ago he was diagnosed with kidney failure and now receives SSD. My 2 kids only receive $43/month apiece. He works a part-time job around his dialysis. What would he have done if I had filed for CS? He already pays for a child from before our marriage that he did have a DNA test done on. Judge Hanschen has the right idea. We need to make sure that those responsible for CREATING the children pay, not the ones suckered into it by lying people, wheather they be official or personal "friends".
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Di Castillo 04/05/2008 1:36:00 PM
It is this kind of great story that keeps me coming back to the DO. This is so wrong on so many levels. Clearly, this contradicts the AG website statement that it serves to protect all Texas citizens, it establishes paternity and promotes the emotional involvement of both parents. In your mention of the collection process being questioned and under review, it is important to note that the website mentions it contracts with a private vendor for collections and payments. That vendor, Affiliated Computer Services, Inc., has numerous multi-million dollar contracts with this State and many others. Profiting off a social service from tax dollars discourages accountability, transparency, and efficiency because the objective becomes profit, not justice. Clearly, this is one of the best examples of how racial and economic injustice is institutionalized and systemic. Innocent guys go to jail, children are confused and kept from their true fathers, and women contribute to and suffer from their dishonesty. The whole family structure is disrespecte, the productive lives of people and futures of young adults are ruined. Why? Because bottom line, we don't care about justice and ethics and only about a system that keeps the dollar flowing into the pockets of those that can exploit the system. This makes this mess immoral. I'll certainly work to encourage everyone to keep people like Judge David Hanschen working for the people.
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Sharyn 04/05/2008 3:56:00 AM
THANK YOU for writing this story and covering this vital topic! I encourage anyone reading this to go to http://www.pepintexas.org/index.htm People for Equal Parenting and get involved. Everyday thousands of men AND women are victims of an outdated court system and innate bias in court rulings! Please be an advocate for the children who are involved in these custody cases who become mere pawns of the AG office system! With more voices supporting equal rights, then and only then will change happen to make life better for children of divorce and parental separation!
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David Cary 04/05/2008 2:26:00 AM
Fellow Republican:
It goes much deeper than this. The Republicans in power have ruthlessly targeted families for the sake of Title IV-D money, resulting in destroyed families and needlessly parentless children. I might add this is not a gender issue; many mothers are now being destroyed for the sake of money through these blatantly dishonest practises. Just look at the recent blog on Topix about Judge Sandoval of the 380th Court in Collin County.
There is a reason Republicans are losing everywhere. They deserve it from Greg Abbot and Rick Perry on down. It is the Democrats who are advocating Families Values.
My fellow Republicans, it is time to clean up our own mess.
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Melyna 04/04/2008 9:21:00 PM
Whatamess, your story just confirms that the AG�s office incompetence punishes the innocent men in these cases. That fact that they did not investigate your ex-wife�s lie(s) or charge her with perjury on an official document tells me that the AG�s office either does not care or are completely clueless. My guess is both of the above. Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.
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whatamess 04/04/2008 8:37:00 PM
This is just one of the many flaws this system has. The Texas AG is only after getting federal funds regardless of how many lives it destroys.
I paid CS for 8 years directly to my ex-wife. It was paid directly to her after her constant complaints of the Texas AGs office taking sometimes weeks to get her the check when sent in throug their office. After 8 years of paying, she decided she wanted an increase and went to the AGs office and in order to be able to "immediately" garnish my wages instead and get the higher amount, she lied and told them that I had not paid for 8 years. One day the AGs office began garnishing my wages. I was not ever advised of this and found out the day I received almost 1/2 of my paycheck. When I contacted the AGs office, they claimed I owed 29K in past due support. They told me they were sending me a letter and I had 30 days to contest it or my "wages would be garnished, reported to the credit bureaus and a lie put against my properties." I received the letter stating this about 2 weeks after the wages were garnished. I immediately contacted them again and was told I would have to wait until two months later for a court date...but that by me contacting them within the 30 days, although they had already garnished my wages, they would not report it to the credit bureaus or put a lien against my properties. Two months later, it was proven in court that indeed these payments had always been made. The AGs office never told me, but when I contacted the credit bureaus they had already reported it delinquent...in fact, they reported the delinquency and put out the lien BEFORE they even sent me the letter. My CS was increased and the money that was garnished for almost 3 months was never refunded to me or applied towards my new payment. This was two years ago and they completely ruined my perfect credit. Because of this, the interest on my credit cards shot up to 29% and left me almost broke...with 1/2 a paycheck for 3 months and 29% in interest rates, thanks to their "mistake". The AGs office even posted my social security number, date of birth, driver's license number, full address and name on the internet PUBLIC records...The only way for child support to be added to your credit file is if you have past due payments...they now show the 29K as "paid" (but did not remove it even though it was never owed...paid in a credit report is NOT the same as removed from a credit report)...and now, they of course can show my current CS obligation on my credit report which is now used as an income to debt ratio when I apply for a mortgage, credit, or anything else...
I do not ever believe men do not have the responsiblity to their children. I paid my child support even when I lost my job due to lay offs once and was current ever single month for almost 8 months. Yet, I have a son with autism and the courts did not care one bit that my son suffered tremendously and has becuase of this. Therapies that had to be paid out of pocket could not because of the complete lack of respect for children in second marriages...again, I was NEVER late with a payment. My son has suffered tremedously from this because my credit has been ruined and because of all the increased interest rates, etc...I was forced to sell my house.
This is the "justice" that the AG talks about when he's out there talking about the millions he has collected for "kids". Meanwhile, my ex-wife now has 4 children...Her new husband has 2 children from two different mothers and they hide from the AGs office and do NOT pay child support. The AGs office has yet to find him...My ex-wife allows him to switch jobs and hide so that he doesn't have to fulfill his responsiblity.
I pray that this AG is exposed for everything he has done to good citizens in the state of Texas. For honest fathers who have always paid...and next time you hear him talk about his concerns for "the children"...please, ask him why it's ok to take money away from my son with special needs so that he can make extra money from the federal government.
You see, the 29K they claimed I owed, had they showed it as NEVER PAID, they would not receive federal reimbursement for it...but because they show it was PAID, the federal government assumes they collected it and gives them credit for collecting it. Meanwhile, my life has been completely turned upside down and my financial security completely distroyed.
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Melyna 04/04/2008 8:03:00 PM
I applaud Judge Hanshcen and the other �New Age� judges that feel likewise.
This is not about being �above the law�, like most critics think. It�s about the truth. Men like �Antonio� should not have to be punished for his wife�s deceptions and lies. This is not about the dead-beat fathers that are trying to skip out on child support. It�s about men falling victim to a double standard in regards to the law.
The Attorney General�s office should be ashamed for having such an indifferent and mocking attitude towards these kinds of disturbing situations. Vilifying the judges does not change the fact that there are some major issues with these laws. What are we supposed to do? Ignore the flaws in our legal system and allow deceived men to pay for their wives deception?
I hope this article exposes the flaws in these Child Support cases and motives a change in the legal system. Yes, it may be law, but it does not mean its right.
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Melyna 04/04/2008 8:03:00 PM
I applaud Judge Hanshcen and the other �New Age� judges that feel likewise.
This is not about being �above the law�, like most critics think. It�s about the truth. Men like �Antonio� should not have to be punished for his wife�s deceptions and lies. This is not about the dead-beat fathers that are trying to skip out on child support. It�s about men falling victim to a double standard in regards to the law.
The Attorney General�s office should be ashamed for having such an indifferent and mocking attitude towards these kinds of disturbing situations. Vilifying the judges does not change the fact that there are some major issues with these laws. What are we supposed to do? Ignore the flaws in our legal system and allow deceived men to pay for their wives deception?
I hope this article exposes the flaws in these Child Support cases and motives a change in the legal system. Yes, it may be law, but it does not mean its right.
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Clear Diagnostics 04/04/2008 4:08:00 PM
These situations are very real and very true! I see it happen on a daily basis. If you are anyone you know is dealing with this problem and in need of a paternity test, please contact us. We are locally here in Dallas and available for evening and weekend appointments. We understand the urgency of these situations and want to help the best we can.
Clear Diagnostics
PH: 972-233-0293
FX: 866-661-5201
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Roy 04/04/2008 3:05:00 AM
"The office receives federal funds based in part on the amount of child support that it collects and distributes, giving the Child Support Division a budgetary incentive to close as many cases as it can, no matter whose rights it might trample." BINGO!
And they claim they are child activists, yeah right! take the money incentive away and see how many state employees would not want the job. If they really cared when they sent the collected money they would make sure it is being spent properly.
Funny how to collect the money they break the law to enforce the law...if you suspend a business license because my employer won't withold the money and I owe back child support, that's blackmail and extortion according to the law. And the employer should NOT be held acountable for my action
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Paul 04/04/2008 3:02:00 AM
No, he needs to run for Attorney General.
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Eric Camp 04/03/2008 9:18:00 PM
Everyone who agrees with Judge Hanschen should sign up to help his campaign for the Dallas Court of Appeals at http://www.davidforjustice.com.
The court needs more judges that believe that a Court of Law and a Court of Justice should be the same thing! Vote for David Hanschen!
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Winston Smith 04/03/2008 7:36:00 PM
I may be mistaken, but there is a term called "Fraudulent concealment" which allows a defendant in a legal process in Texas the right of appeal if that defendant discovers fraud or lack of vital information that would allow reasonable people to come to another conclusion about the desposition of a case. Lawyers, prosecutors, Judges do not have the right to conceal important facts in a cause.
I wonder if true paternal identity could be a form of "fraudulent concealment" if the Courts know that the wrong man is paying for child support of another man's child?
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Single Mom 04/03/2008 6:36:00 PM
I hate the AG office. I got pregnant young and the father shortly after relapsed on heroin. (he had been clean or so i thought for quite some time when we were together)I was told by the AG's office that if I wanted to get child support that he would have rights to see our son unsupervised regardless of a serious drug addition. They said the only option if I feared for his safety was to get the father's rights relinquished. I was young dumb and scared so my dad helped me get a lawyer to get his rights relinquished. I thought it was my only hope, and I did what the office suggested and what my dad thought was best because he was the one I had to turn to. It was the worst thing that ever happened to us. He got off scott free but I have spent the last seven years with a son with no father and no child support checks to help out with things. I have had to move in and out with family members to make things work. Finally things are great for us but it's been a hard road that I shouldn't have had to travel alone. And my son should have a father. I owe that to the Attorney General and their lies. They hurt men, women, and children. When you don't know all the details and you are scared and confused and you go to them for help, they really should care more. I just wanted to point out that they screw everyone over and something needs to be done.
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Matt Minyard 04/03/2008 4:21:00 PM
Megan, thank you for such a great article.
We need people like Judge David Hanschen in the AG's office.
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Tim Covington 04/03/2008 2:57:00 PM
This article tells me that there needs to be mandatory genetic testing at birth for all children. It is not fair to the child if the paternity results come out later. As an aside, I can confirm that the AG only cares about collecting money. I have two friends (male and female) who have seen this. The male has been told by that they don't care if he has been trying to get caught up (he was laid up for a year a very bad accident), as long as he is behind they will keep up the arrest warrants out for him. This has cost him two jobs already. The other had the AG office pressuring her to file for child support against her ex-husband who she acknowledged was not her child's father and had no visitation rights.
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Pissed 04/03/2008 1:14:00 AM
Quote directly from the AG's Child Support FAQ's. Since this is in writing and comes directly from the official website of the State of Texas, shouldnt this be invoked with some kind of legal effect?
15 How important are genetic tests in paternity cases?
The results of the genetic test will determine what the court rules as to whether you are the father of the child. If the genetic test excludes you as the possible father, the court will rule that you are not the father. If the genetic test indicates that there is a 99 percent or better chance that you are the father, you will have the burden to prove that you are not the father.
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Paul 04/03/2008 12:00:00 AM
This story boils my blood. My wife was a Child Support Officer for the AG for several years. She has told many stories about men paying support for kids fathered by other men that provoked many heated arguments...with her accepting the AG's official line that screwing over people with the letter of the law in the face of truth was just fine. AG employees know they are going after wrong men. Sometimes they even laughed about it.
She is generally a good-hearted person. Her heart often bleeds for the afflicted and the oppressed. There must be some kind rarified air in the AG's offices that turned her into a bona-fide heartless bureaucrat for 8 hours a day. Not the real dad? Oh well, he shouldn't have acknowledged paternity, should have suspected woman was a lying whore, or whatever. His fault. Pay up or go to jail.
As someone with some insight to the AG's child support collection procedures, I will advise ANYONE to NEVER deal with the AG without a good lawyer. AG employees most certainly are evaluated based in large part on the amount of child support they are able to collect, or the amount of increases they are able to extract. They are not impartial.
