Should I send this email to child support? (sorta long)

[skygazer]

Some background - my ex has custody of my son and I pay support through wage withholding which I have done with no complaint for over three years now (maybe four, actually). This even though he is a scumbag and a jerk who makes as much money as I do and won't let me see my own kid (I've seen him once in six years - he's 17).

In January I went out on a surgical leave and dutifully informed them - they told me the money would be automatically taken out of my disability check which it has. Now I get this letter from them and what pisses me off is they are so fucking inefficient they don't even know I've been paying (or they don't even bother to check before sending out this letter). So here is my response:



I have received a somewhat puzzling letter from your office and wish to respond to it. I called today and left a message but felt I should email as well in case the message is not received since the letter warns of dire consequences for non compliance. I quote the letter:

“We have been notified by Safeway that you are on a leave of absence. Please be aware that cases automatically refer for suspension of licenses and other enforcement actions if a month goes by with no payments.”

I am assuming that this is one of the automatically generated letters that get sent out on occasion but I wonder if it wouldn’t be more efficient to check your records before sending out threatening letters to people like myself who have complied with every requirement your office has made during the three years that I have been paying support.

I emailed the office prior to going in for surgery in January of this year, explaining that I was going to be out on disability and asking what the proper steps were in order to comply with my child support obligations. I quote from my email:

“I am a non-custodial parent who pays support through your office via wage withholding from my employer. I am going to have surgery on Thursday January 15th for a herniated disc in my neck and will be unable to work for several weeks. I need to know what steps I must take in regards to my child support obligation. Please advise me and I will be happy to comply. My pertinent information is as follows. If any more is needed, please write, call or e-mail."

This email was dated 1/12/04 and I received a call from a worker who told me my payments would be automatically deducted from my disability check. This has indeed been the case which you will see if you check your records. My recovery time has been significantly longer than first expected, however payments have been made faithfully every month out of my disability check.

If I sound somewhat irritated, I am. I have done everything I have been required to do in regards to paying child support, which incidentally goes to a man who is a bum and a creep and who beat me up ceaselessly during our time together and who also has not allowed me to see my own son for six years. I realize that is not your office’s jurisdiction – however getting a letter like this right before the holidays when I have to look forward to not seeing my child again is a little much.

In conclusion, please check your records which will show that I have been making payments. If you still want to take my license, feel free. I have no idea why anyone thought that taking away a person’s transportation to work would make them pay their child support but that’s the law and believe it or not, I obey the law. Unlike the jerk who gets my money every month.

Sincerely,

[forgethell]

1. Here's a hint, I find it works well

with corporate people. Send a copy certified mail to whoever is in charge, and another to his boss. Get a return receipt. Make sure you cc the bosses name on the bottom of the letter. Keep a copy.

Of course, bureaucrats operate by different rules than people, so it may not do any good, but I don't see how it can hurt.

good luck