I am a parent from Holbrook, New York. My children’s father owes over $40,000 in unpaid child support, yet he has faced no real consequences. He works off the books, avoids enforcement, and openly exploits the system because he knows he won’t be jailed or meaningfully punished. To make matters worse, his girlfriend actively helps him hide money, making it easier for him to dodge accountability while my children and I struggle.

Meanwhile, I work two jobs and still cannot make ends meet. My story is not unique — thousands of New York parents are suffering because current child support enforcement laws are far too weak. Children are being punished while non-paying parents live comfortably. This is unacceptable.

We demand that New York State strengthen its child support enforcement laws to include:

Harsher penalties for repeat offenders, including mandatory jail time for those who deliberately evade payment.
Stronger investigative tools to uncover off-the-books income and hidden assets.
Accountability for individuals who knowingly assist a parent in evading child support obligations (such as live-in partners or spouses who help conceal income).
A renewed focus in Family Court on protecting children’s well-being, not excusing parents who avoid responsibility.

Why should one parent sacrifice everything — working multiple jobs, struggling to provide — while the other parent avoids consequences entirely? Why should children suffer because of a system that rewards cheating and punishes responsibility?

It’s time for New York lawmakers to take action. Families across the state are counting on stronger laws that put children first and hold deadbeat parents  and those who enable them accountable.

Sign this petition to demand change in New York’s child support enforcement system. Our children deserve better.