Subject: Reforming Child Support Laws for Fair & Equal Parental Responsibility

We, the undersigned, call for a review and reform of current child support laws to ensure fairness, equality, and the protection of both parents’ rights. While child support is designed to provide financial security for children, the current system can be unfairly applied, overly punitive, and fail to consider alternative parenting solutions that prioritize shared responsibilities.

Our Concerns:

1. Lack of Consideration for Equal Parenting Time

• Child support calculations should reflect actual custody arrangements. Many parents who share equal custody are still ordered to pay excessive support.

2. Unfair Enforcement Measures

• Non-custodial parents face severe punishments (such as jail time, license suspensions, and wage garnishments) that can make it harder for them to financially contribute.

3. Limited Options for Parental Agreements

• Parents should have the option to create mutually agreed-upon financial plans that do not require excessive government intervention.

4. Outdated Income Calculations

• The system does not always reflect a parent’s true financial situation, leading to unfair burdens and financial hardship.

Our Requests:

1. Parental Equality in Child Support Cases – Support laws that ensure equal parenting rights are prioritized before assigning financial obligations.

2. Reform of Enforcement Mechanisms – End unfair penalties like jailing non-paying parents, which prevent them from earning income.

3. Alternative Support Models – Allow parents to create private financial agreements or contribute in non-monetary ways (housing, education, healthcare, etc.).

4. Fair Income Assessments – Require courts to consider actual earnings rather than assumed income in determining support obligations.

Conclusion: 

We urge lawmakers to review and reform child support laws to ensure that both parents have equal opportunities to support their children in ways that are just, sustainable, and fair. Children benefit most when both parents are actively involved in their lives—not just financially, but emotionally and physically as well.

We, the undersigned, request that legislative action be taken to modernize child support policies for the benefit of parents and children alike.