Growing up, I witnessed how inconsistent and unfair child support laws can negatively impact families. The disparities in the current system are evident, and they lead to unnecessary financial and emotional hardships for both children and their caregivers. Our children deserve a system that ensures their well-being and security, rather than perpetuating chaos and inequality.

I believe every child deserves equal support regardless of where they live, and I’m committed to advocating for fairness across states.

Currently, child support laws vary widely from one jurisdiction to another, leading to confusion and disparity. In some cases, the financial burden placed on the non-custodial parent is inconsistent with their income, making it nearly impossible to meet obligations without compromising their livelihood. Conversely, custodial parents are often left with inadequate support that does not meet the needs of their children. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, only about 44% of custodial parents receive the full amount of child support owed to them. This is a clear indication that the system needs reform.

We need uniform child support laws that are fair and considerate of both parents' financial situations, and most importantly, are centered on the children's best interests. A reformed system should include:
1. A standardized assessment formula to calculate fair and equitable contributions from both parents.
2. Regular reviews of child support agreements to adapt to changing financial circumstances.
3. Improved enforcement measures to ensure child support payments are collected and distributed efficiently.
4. Increased support and resources for parents to navigate the legal system and understand their rights and obligations.

By implementing these changes, we can create a more balanced and fairer framework that supports the financial and emotional well-being of our children. Sign this petition to urge legislators to prioritize and reform the child support laws for a better future for our children.

Advocacy Statement for Fair Child Support in 50/50 Custody Cases
Children deserve equal access to both parents, and parents who share custody equally should not face financial penalties that undermine fairness. Current child support laws in many states fail to recognize shared parenting time, forcing one parent—often the higher earner—to pay full support even when both parents provide equal care. This system discourages cooperative parenting, creates unnecessary conflict, and ignores the best interests of the child.

We advocate for nationwide reform that ensures child support calculations reflect:

Equal Parenting Time: Support should adjust proportionally when custody is shared 50/50.
Income-Based Fairness: Payments should balance household resources without penalizing equal caregivers.
Consistency Across States: A federal baseline or model law should eliminate disparities and promote fairness nationwide.
Proof of Non-Involvement: If a primary caregiver claims the other parent is not involved, they must provide adequate proof of lack of participation in the child’s life.
Clarification on Financial Contributions: Receipts for items purchased for the child and money transfers should not be considered “gifts” but recognized as legitimate contributions toward the child’s needs.
It’s time to modernize child support laws to reflect today’s family dynamics and prioritize children’s well-being through equitable, transparent, and consistent standards.