I’m in a really tough situation and could use some advice. I’m owed $70,000 in child support and have never received a single payment. Despite numerous attempts, the Prosecuting Attorney in Johnson County, Missouri refuses to prosecute. This has been going on for 15 years, and Child Support Enforcement hasn’t done anything to help.
They’ve taken his tax returns a few times, only to give them back after review. Meanwhile, the man responsible has a new family and seems to be living his best life, while I’ve been struggling to make ends meet. My son is now 21, and I’m worried that I’ll never see any of the money owed.
I’ve called Child Support Enforcement multiple times, but it feels like my case is being ignored. I don’t understand why this is happening or what my options are at this point.
Has anyone else experienced something similar? Are there any steps I can take to finally get the support I’m owed? I’m open to any advice or suggestions.
There’s no magic fix for this kind of problem on the internet if you haven’t worked it out in fifteen years. You can probably assume that you are dealing with a deadbeat father unless he has $70,000.00 stashed away in a mattress, which is usually just unlucky.
This person is among those who took advantage of the system till it annoyed them all. Regretfully, you will require a judge who isn’t hesitant to be severe. Although many courts would not put a deadbeat behind bars, I believe that when the time is right, they should. Thus, submit a Motion for Criminal Contempt and abide by the applicable due process guidelines. If your court grants it, the State Attorney should be assigned to prosecute, and he will be provided with a public defender upon request. Request that the court impose a purge that he appears to be able to afford and request that a job search be conducted for the remaining time. Arrears are collected for 20 years after they are due, so maybe the deadbeat will get it or maybe not.
Hey there, I’ve been through a frustrating situation with the legal system myself, so I understand how helpless it can feel. After 15 years of being ignored by Child Support Enforcement and the Prosecuting Attorney, it’s clear the usual routes aren’t working. While your son is now 21, unpaid child support is still owed and enforceable. You could consider hiring a private attorney who specializes in child support collections—they can sometimes apply more pressure through civil actions like garnishing wages, placing liens, or seizing assets. You might also explore filing complaints with higher authorities in Missouri’s government or even reaching out to local news outlets to spotlight your situation.
