I posted "a scenario for all you legal minds" as a sounding board to see where it would go. I thought it might illustrate how bad the system is and how much reform is needed not only at the state level but at the national level. Dispite opinions to the contrary this is a true story and not one that is that unusual. Instead of sparking debate on reform it came down to the frailties of the NCP Dad. Not about the system that put him there. Let me say right now that I personally know both the NCP and the CP. They are both at fault for what has transpired. Yes the father gets behind in CS when he is unemployed (therefore he must be a deadbeat Dad in some eyes)-lets not mention that the system is so immovable that it gives him no room. The Mother has kept his children away from him and the courts have never even slapped her hands, but no one mentions her frailties. So lets not mention that the courts are more than a little biased towards mothers and that CS has precedent over visitation or parenting. This gives the Mother an undo power over the father. The NCP Father has gone to court before to have adjustments to the CS and to try and increase his prenting time-the court has never granted one of his requests. This in spite of favorable CFI reports saying that he is a fit parent and recommending more time. I quess it does not matter though. The reality of this situation is frought with many inequities and problems. As I said the purpose was to show how inadaquate the system is from the federal level with USC 42/7/IV-D/666 down to the state level in the family court system. To me it is sad that the legal minds concentrated only on the CS issue with the Father. I have been admonished for thinking that this site is just about reform. But, seems to me that with the name of "Reform of Child Custody Laws" the subject should not be relegated to a non-subject. I realize that a small handful of you have concerns over reform and I thank you for your input. I commend Jim and others who have been instrumental in actually achieving some change within their states. But this site is seriously lacking in any ambition towards reform. It's a sad thing. Scott
