San Jose Child Support Attorney Discusses Democratic Presidential Candidate, Hillary Clinton’s, Youth Opportunity Agenda Regarding Child Support Problems Faced by Low-Income African-American Fathers

The Urban League’s 2006 report on the situation of African-Americans in the United States concluded that the child support system and its abuses were a major problem, functioning as a large, hidden “tax” on the already skimpy earnings of many African-American males. Reportedly, half of uneducated African-American men ages 25-34 are non-custodial fathers and the child support they pay usually does not go to their child(ren), but rather to the state to reimburse the cost of public assistance for the mother and child(ren). Research shows that allowing the child support to go directly to the custodial parent promotes a father’s bond with his child(ren). Hillary Clinton pledges to “work with states and counties to ensure that they have support and incentives to pass on every dollar of child support” directly to the men’s children.

Many minority noncustodial fathers have spent time in prison and under the current system, rack up thousands of dollars in child support arrearages while they are incarcerated, with interest. Upon release these men struggle with a staggering debt, that most have no hope of ever paying off. In some cases, these men are even forced to return to jail for nonpayment. To address this problem, Clinton says she will “encourage states to take more realistic, cooperative approaches to managing arrears, so that fathers leaving prison are not immediately saddled with unrealistic payment obligations.” Clinton also commented that “[c]hild support payments can represent half of [low-income] men’s income, and can provide a strong incentive to work in the underground economy.” Clinton’s proposals have been viewed as a modest step forward in addressing these issues but more needs to be done.

If you or someone you know has questions about child support or other aspects of family law such as the divorce process, spousal support, or child custody and visitation, please contact Sagaria Law. Our team of family law attorneys can answer any such questions you may have and assist you through the process. We represent clients from Santa Clara County, Alameda County, Monterey County, San Mateo County, and surrounding areas. Contact our office today to schedule your free consultation to speak with one of our attorneys.