Deadbeat Mom in Florida is not paying Child Support. What Can I Do?

• She lives in Florida and I live in Illinois. We have two girls together. She left when My oldest was a little over a year old and my youngest was three months old. It's been over 8 years and she still refuses to pay. The state of Florida is trying to enforce my child support. They suspended her driving license and will take her taxes, if she ever files. Every time they locate her, to get money from her wages, she quits her job. I call them every week to find out what the status of my case is and they really don't seem to be doing all they could. I can't afford a lawyer on my own. I have tried to ask, beg and plead with her for help with our girls and she refuses. Her family don't seem to care about my situation either. I don't have family that can help me. I'm on a sinking ship. I moved to Illinois because of better employment opportunities, but my income is not enough. Public aid in Illinois tells me I make to much to help me, but that is a joke. Any ideas on what I can do?

• Answer:

  If she gets visits take them from her. Sounds to me like she doesn't love her children any way. She will have to take you to court even if they are court ordered visits. At which time judge will hand her new orders. Sound like you've been working this for years so waiting another year for legal aid probable won't be that hard. But getting a part time job just long enough to pay decent lawyer would be a better solution. Most lawyers will take a down payment and payments on balance due. Whether you realize it or not Florida is really working with you. I've never heard of this kind (or any kind ) of thing happening to a deadbeat. It is my serious personal opinion that these children would be so much better in long run without this parent. My personal choice was to remove all of "bios" rights and stay away. The other parent knows where we are but is too embarrassed to show face. My child is much better off like this.