Let’s talk, 

The Bradley amendment has been keeping parents in poverty since it was in place, destroying their relationships with their children, and allowing unreasonable control and manipulation of the payee. This strict, and unconstitutional law prevents the modification of past child support debt, even when it should reasonable call for it. 

Let’s make a few examples 

Frank got sick with Covid-19, it took him months to heal, months to leave the hospital and no job to go back to. During that time he has racked up a massive debt. The expectation is that he modify the debt immediately. Even if it was not feasible. He should be able to simply file to have that debt stricken, with evidence of his  hospitalization. It was perfectly reasonable that it went unpaid. Yet frank is facing a debt that he has no way of resolving.  

Jessica had an ex husband who was awarded the children. After having issues with her mental health, her ex husband simply states that she doesn’t have to pay her child support. Thrilled and relieved that she doesn't have to pay, she takes her time to resolve her mental health crisis at a rehabilitation facility. Except some time after discharge they get into an argument and now her ex husband wants the child support owed. Not only could she not have paid but she had no way of knowing that her ex husband didn't have the right to refuse it. She has proof he refused the support, and of her hospitalization, but is still expected to pay.  

James had a wife who separated from him. One day she disappears with the kids giving him no way of paying child support. He locates her years later. Now In 29,000 dollars in debt for money he would have paid had the recipient been able to be found sooner. In an attempt to reclaim a relationship with his children she is found in contempt. Yet he is still responsible for the child support. While she who did not give him an avenue to pay, is not obligated to waive it and faces no legal reprimand. 

A law that originally was created to be sure parents could not escape child support they could pay, but chose not to. The Bradley amendment has been causing financial crisis and family decay for decades. With the pandemic causing many people to lose jobs many have found themselves in debt due to child support. With no exceptions to reasonable adjustments. Sign this petition to urge lawmakers to amend or abolish. 

With evidence of reasonable inability to pay, debt should be able to be resolved retroactively.  Adjusted according to income. Please be sure to read updates as i provide additional information in them.