Many non-custodial parents have become frustrated with the child support system, with their ex's, and even with their children. Particularly in cases where a parents' visitation rights are being thwarted or just not recognized, it's hard to continue to pay child support month after month. At the same time, though, it is a legal obligation that one can not just ignore.
From the perspective of the courts, custody and visitation are completely separate from child support. One can not be withheld simply because the other is not being granted or received.
In other words, a single mom who isn't receiving child support can not legally withhold visitation, just as a single mom who owes child support can not withhold that benefit from her child just because she's not being granted visitation.
For more information on this complex issue, read Termination of Child Support Obligations, written by our legal issues contributing writer, Debrina Washington.
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My seven-year-old loves to play board games! Some of her favorite board games are Zingo, Guess Who, and Yahtzee--which are all appropriate for her age. But then there are some others, like Sequence and Othello, which she also enjoys, but are really meant for older kids and adults. When we play these games, I alter the rules a bit to make it easier for her.
For example, when we play Sequence, I get five cards, and she gets seven cards. We also change the goal. I have to get two sequences (five chips in a row) to win, but she only has to get one sequence. This helps her "win" more easily than she would otherwise, and still keeps the game fun and somewhat competitive for me.
How do you adjust the rules on your kids' favorite board games? Let us know by leaving a comment below or participating in our newest "Readers Respond" feature: Fun Ways to Play Kids' Board Games.
There are two types of online dating stories I hear quite frequently: success stories and stories of utter frustration. These are usually fun and informative, but one of things I think our readers really need to know about online dating is how to stay safe. Take a moment to share your top safety tips with us in the "Readers Respond" feature, When Online Dating, How Do You Make Safety Your Number One Priority?
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This week's highlights include advice regarding what to post (or not to post) on Facebook, reflections on Mel Gibons' recent meltdown, and more.
On the Blogs:
Mel Gibson: Love, Misery and Midlife Crisis - Cathy comments on Mel Gisbon's recent public meltdown.
5 Ways to Find Free Child Care - Laureen points out several sources of free child care for parents who need to schedule some much-needed "me time."
In the News:
Divorce Attorneys Turn to Social-Networking Sites for Dirt - What you post on social networking sites, like Facebook and Twitter, can come back to haunt you.
Three Single Mothers to Get New Edmond Homes - The "sweat equity" has paid off for three more single moms in Oklahoma.
Photo © njgphoto of www.istockphoto.com.
