Even though we hear a lot about “deadbeat” parents who refuse to pay their child support bills, the majority of parents are still paying what they owe. A report issued by the United States Census Bureau indicates that 14.4 million custodial parents owe child support, with the most recent numbers indicating that $37.9 billion was still outstanding nationwide. So, why do some parents fail to pay child support? In some cases, it can be as simple as a failure to stay organized. That is where a new software program, called Support Pay, enters the picture. The new software, which could be useful for Minnesota parents who both receive and pay child support, was developed by a divorced mother who realized how difficult it was to manage the various aspects of being a single parent.
The 35-year-old woman explains that a nationwide need exists to assist those who both receive and pay child support. Her new online product provides scheduling assistance, helping parents manage payment calendars, third-party payment systems and even their tax burden. The woman said she was tired of having to manage child care information, along with pickup schedules and information about child support payments through Microsoft Excel. Now, those divorced parents get the support they need through the online platform.
The software developer explains the divorce is an emotional process, and most people choose to wrap it up quickly. However, it is difficult to maintain the level of support you need after the dust settles, as many of the people who were involved in the divorce are now gone. Once the agreement has been drafted and approved, many of those professionals simply move on to other cases. Now, parents can manage their own child support needs through the use of this simple product.
Even though some parents may feel abandoned by their divorce professionals after the divorce is completed, family attorneys can still help through the ongoing child support and child custody negotiation process. Those with questions about managing the child support may be able to turn to their qualified family attorney in Minnesota to learn more about their legal rights and responsibilities.
Source: The New York Times, “Software for Sorting Out Child Support” Quentin Hardy, Dec. 26, 2013