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Parents may lose licenses over child support

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By BEN NEARY
Associated Press writer

Friday, November 28, 2008 9:58 PM MST

CHEYENNE -- A proposed change in Wyoming law could make it more likely that parents who fail to make required child support payments could lose their driving privileges.

Brenda Lyttle, child support enforcement director at the Wyoming Department of Family Services, is pushing draft legislation. She said it would make it easier for her office to suspend driver's licenses for parents who are at least $5,000 behind in child support and who haven't made payments for at least 90 days.

Lyttle said an estimated 1,600 Wyoming parents could meet the criteria for losing their licenses.

"Our goal is absolutely not to take away driver's licenses; our goal is absolutely to get them to pay their child support," Lyttle said.

"We didn't want to target people who had jobs and needed to drive to go to work," Lyttle said. "Who we are trying to target with this law are people who have not been paying, and we have no evidence that they have a job, or they're paying taxes."

The Joint Interim Judiciary Committee is scheduled to consider the draft bill at its Dec. 4 meeting in Casper.

Lyttle said her office already has authority under state law to suspend driver's licenses from people who owe child support without going to court. However, she said that the current provisions were essentially copied from laws concerning the Wyoming Department of Transportation. She said the laws would require her office to hire an administrative judge to preside over hearings and would require her office to collect fees it has no way of processing.

The proposal before the judiciary committee would remove barriers that currently keep the child support enforcement office from suspending driver's licenses, Lyttle said.

Most people in Wyoming who pay child support do so as a result of court orders from divorce proceedings, Lyttle said. She said in other cases, the parent who has custody of the child has been on public assistance and child support enforcement gets a court order to force the other parent to repay the state.

The amount of child support a person must pay depends on their income. Lyttle said that in a case in which both parents were making minimum wage, a child support order for the noncustodial parent would be $218 a month.

Sen. Tony Ross, R-Cheyenne, is a lawyer and co-chairman of the judiciary committee. He said he originally had concerns about the proposed bill because an earlier version lacked requirements to give people notice that they stood to lose their licenses.

"In Wyoming, we've always shown a strong preference that child support be handled within the courts," Ross said.

However, Ross said legislators have worked on the draft legislation to make sure that due-process elements were built into the administrative suspension procedure.

"We've made substantial changes to the bill that I believe I can support it now," Ross said.


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Comments to this story.

WestWyo wrote on Nov 29, 2008 8:03 AM:

" people who won't support their kids are about the third lowest form of life on the planet. That being said, I fail to see how taking away a drivers license from some one who "doesn't work or pay taxes" is going to put food in his child's stomach. "

DK wrote on Nov 29, 2008 8:05 AM:

" This is a great idea. To many dead beat parents still dodge the system and don't pay child support. Jerk their license and it is another angle to make them pay. I love it when the G&F pulls licenses from dead beats! "

M wrote on Nov 29, 2008 10:56 AM:

" This may help. It might have helped my children get some support all that time when they only got a couple hundred a year from his tax return. More likely, the deadbeats will move from the state. That's a good thing, too! "

zach wrote on Nov 29, 2008 2:55 PM:

" Wow great idea. Make it harder for them to have jobs and be able to pay should they want to attempt to pay off their debt.

I needn't even get into the fact that a lot of those guys got screwed quite badly and shouldn't be paying anywhere near as much as they are asked too. "

yay wrote on Nov 29, 2008 3:22 PM:

" It's about time. Hopefully, it passes soon. "

Dewd wrote on Nov 29, 2008 3:33 PM:

" I've never fallen under the axe of the Child Support pretorians, and don't intend to ( I have no kids). But I know too many divorced couples who are getting jacked by the system, one way or the other and not always with justice as the guiding principle. This proposed legislation seems Draconian to me, like Debtor's Prisons of old. Tying child support to driving privileges seems more than a little out of bounds. Would it pass Constitutional muster? I can't say, but it has a foul face to it.

I though this was what Garnishment of wages and income was supposed to do. "

Cobra wrote on Nov 29, 2008 4:23 PM:

" It is without a doubt one of the stupidist things I I have ever heard of. If you take the drivers license away for them it is a dang sure bet they won't pay the child support. If they don't have wheels then they don't have jobs, now that took a rocket scientist to figure that out! "

Sgt. wrote on Nov 30, 2008 9:03 AM:

" In reply to Zach... Getting screwed seems to be the root of their problems. Can't do the time don't do the Crime! Dead beat dads contribute to social problems and I've seen guys move from job to job to avoid wage garnishments put property in his new childrens name all in an attempt to buck the system. A drivers license is tied to the dead beat dad and in some ways is the only thing he can't hide. I agree that notification must be mailed to the address on the license with an appropriate time period for response prior to suspending drivers license privilages with provisions to reinstate the temporary driving privilages in order to allow the dead beat dad to continue to work and pay for his responsiblities. "

Sgt. wrote on Nov 30, 2008 9:11 AM:

" Another thing to be real about suspendeing the privilage to drive doesn't stop people from driving. It only makes them more careful drivers. So it's a win win situation if you were to look at the accident rates around the state. "

TR wrote on Nov 30, 2008 11:27 AM:

" They should have kept thier britches on , the child support problems wouldnt be a problem then. "

Liz wrote on Nov 30, 2008 12:00 PM:

" Check out the WA state child support program which is one of the most successful programs in the nation. In addition to drivers licenses, non paying parents can also lose their business and recreational licenses. This action is another tool used for those obligors who will do anything to NOT pay their child support. The same obligors who never have enough money to pay their child support always seem to be able to afford cigarettes, cell phones and in some cases, attorneys to help them with their legal woes. Why not move past the anger and hurt of the broken relationship and put the needs (financial as well as emotional) of the chidren first.

There are people in all communities who work under the table to avoid taxes, move from job to job to avoid garnishments, drive without licenses and/or insurance, etc etc. They are not bad people, just incredibly selfish and irresponsible, and government intervention doesn't cure that. But, this legislation will motivate some to step up to their child support obligation and thus makes everyone a winner. "

profit wrote on Dec 1, 2008 8:29 AM:

" I don't like the idea. Garnish wages or put them in jail if they don't pay for contempt of court. We don't need more laws.. "

Custodial Dad wrote on Dec 1, 2008 8:37 AM:

" Why must people assume all the deadbeats are men? And did you people even read the whole article? It says they have to be in arrears of $5000 AND 90 days without a payment...My ex got off with minimum monthly payments and they garnish her new husbands tax returns. That keeps here under the $5000 threshold...no help for me there. "

enough already wrote on Dec 1, 2008 8:48 AM:

" I'm all for collecting child support, however, I do not believe that we should be revoking drivers licenses for things other than driving violations. If anything taking someone's drivers license will make it harder for them to be able to get to work to make the money to pay the support. That's like taking away someone's job for not paying their credit card bill; counterproductive. If they don't pay their child support, I say throw them in jail and make them work it off while incarcerated. "

Deadbeat wrote on Dec 1, 2008 8:54 AM:

" Here is a situation not many people think of. I am a child support paying father and it is every difficult to do so and stay a float at times. But the reasons behind this are different. Yes WE had a beautiful son out of wedlock, we lived together, I finished college shortly after OUR son was born, I applied for numerous jobs and finally landed a job allowing US to buy a home. I was already helping support a daughter she had, so we needed a home for 4 which I had no problem doing so, I loved it. I was providing for US. Stretched thin at most of the time but making it. Shortly after that I became the babysitter for her so she could go out to the bars a couple nights a week regardless of my objections. So a long story short, girls nights out weren't only girls nights out. Now regardless of what I did for US (the house, the utilities, student loans, food, clothes, etc.) child support is only based on salary. It does not take into account that you now have all these payments which were created to provide stability and security for our FAMILY. Now I have a visitation schedule and am told when I can and can't see my son, I never thought that would happen and it kills me. So think about other scenarios before you judge someone and don't be so quick to call every father having a hard time making child support payments a deadbeat. Thanks "

S wrote on Dec 1, 2008 11:06 AM:

" I'm with you deadbeat. I have never missed a payment but it's VERY hard to stay afloat. If you get a raise, they put you into the system for an adjustment of payments and just up your monthly amount so it's almost impossible to get ahead. I get my children every week and on holidays and still have to pay that "poor single mother" and ungodly amount of money because she knows how to leach off of the system. She works minimally to get the max amount from both me and the government. She does not support the children. They support her. Their are more deadbeat mothers WITH the children living with them then there are deadbeat dads WITHOUT the children living primarily with them. "

barnun wrote on Dec 1, 2008 2:19 PM:

" Sgt you are obiously completely biased and unaware. i'm a dad and have custody and have never received a penny of support. I can tell you though that many guys have been shafted on this kind of deal. girl takes boy home, says she's protected, gets knocked up looking for sugar daddy ( seen that plan more than once ). Also exwives trying to just be malicious, poor visitation, convinces kids dad is evil while having the hand out looking for a check. This is not just all black and white. I agree there are deadbeats out there but every case is different. so do we now also immediately suspend a DL for taxes ? how about for bankruptcy ? "

Sgt. wrote on Dec 1, 2008 3:37 PM:

" Well I was only generalizing saying deadbeat dads I know that it goes both ways. As far as girl takes boy home says she's protected "HELLO" that's the problem right there they did the crime now do the time. "

Exactly wrote on Dec 1, 2008 3:41 PM:

" Yes...great idea; suspend drivers licenses for everything that way we can have thousands of people driving around on suspended licenses without insurance. Sounds like the punishment does not fit the crime. Drivers licenses should be suspended for driving offenses; other types of offenses should have appropriate punishments to the crime. If people are not paying child support we should be looking for a punishment that will facilitate payment of the child support instead of suspending drivers licenses so they cannot drive to work to make the money to pay the child support. That's the wrong prescription for the illness. "

mark wrote on Dec 1, 2008 8:38 PM:

" hey barnum

What about YOUR responsibility to provide your OWN protection?

Sorry, you create children, you have a responsibility to help provide for them. All of this whining about your excuses not to live up to your obligations is very touching . . . not. "

christinaj wrote on Dec 1, 2008 11:56 PM:

" I have a deadbeat ex husband who pays about $500 a year for 2 wonderful boys. I caught him cheating on me with my friend a week after our second son was born. He figured since he was caught that he wanted to try to make things work with the other woman. I agreed to have his pyaments be half of what the attorney said I go for because I figured he was going to be there for his children. About 6 months after the divorce, he was no longer in the picture at all and was off playing house with some new girlfriend and her son. In the last 6 years, my children have seen him once and have got very little money from him. He owes well over $10,000 right now and changes jobs faster then they can get a payment from him. I am not on welfare and have worked many overtime hours to pay the bills. I have met someone and have remarried and he is a very good provider and we don't need the money, but I still feel that their father should be paying something. Since our divorce he has fathered several different children with several different women and has left all of them sitting there holding the pieces when he decides the grass is greener on the other side. I don't think taking his drivers license away is going to do much but make it easier to have an excuse NOT to work. I don't know what the answer is, however, it should no longer be tolerated for people like this to continue to do what they do. I know some people really get the shaft when they are ordered to pay child support. Let me tell you though, there were times before I met my new husband were a couple of extra dollars would have helped to pay some of the bills I had to keep a roof over the heads of the children my ex husband abandoned. I think in some cases, nothing will make a difference, as long as they don't have to give a dime to child support. "

Eat Coast wrote on Dec 2, 2008 6:38 AM:

" My "ex" moved to Wyoming because the state is known far & wide for being lenient with deadbeat dad's & husband's.
Even law enforcement who serves a summons is suposed to get the name of the deadbeats employer (for garnishee purposes) but 9 times out of 10 they "forget" to ask the question. Shouldn't they be told to go back & finish their summons serving job?
I thought the state of Arkansas was bad, but when things started getting tough there his drinking buddies told him about Wyoming & away he went.
If the deputies would just ask that most important question it would be a blessing. "

Sgt. wrote on Dec 2, 2008 7:58 AM:

" Look I know guys on both sides of the issue the bottom line they are your kids you pay for them. I don't mind the occassional title 19 benefit to support your kids but if that means you get a second job oh well. I guess a punishment that would "fit the crime" would be to deny visitation and remove all parental rights since I have to pay to see my kids by providing a house and food and transportation ect. ect. The bottom line here is once you have children it's no longer about you and the only people suffering here are the children. GET OVER YOURSELF AND TAKE CARE OF YOUR CHILDREN! "

Exactly wrote on Dec 2, 2008 9:17 AM:

" There you go Sgt. that makes more sense...looking for a punishment that fits the crime. A drivers license has nothing to do with child support, thus suspending a license is not the appropriate punishment for not paying child support. "

Mina wrote on Dec 2, 2008 12:59 PM:

" I think they should find another way to ensure that people in child support arrears pay what they owe. I think using a driver's license as a punishment for a monetary crime is a bad idea, since a lack of license can hinder a person's ability to find work. I realize not everyone who is behind on child support has legitimate reasons to be so, probably in the majority, but I think that this is not the best solution. "

ok wrote on Dec 2, 2008 2:24 PM:

" Suspended drivers license for not paying child support? Why not disconnect the gas for not paying your electric bill? Maybe death penalty for parking violations? How about changing your alternator when your starter goes out? I have a better idea; why don't we collect the money from them instead of suspending their drivers license? Afterall, the crime is non-payment of child support; if we know enough about them to suspend their drivers license it seems to me that we could simply enforce the child support payments or throw them in jail if they do not pay. I don't see what a drivers license has to do with child support. "

DAKOTA wrote on Dec 3, 2008 5:44 AM:

" What about a sanction for the custodial parent who receives the child support on time each month, but then doesn't spend it on the kid? I know a couple tramps in Casper who cash them checks at the bars where they are every night trolling for a new meal ticket. In the meantime the kid is wearing rags from the Salvation Army, has a TV for a babysitter and eating fast food. If we're talking about enforcment, let's see some accountability from the custodial parent too. There are a lot of tramps drinking up child support checks in Casper and all of Wyoming, more than most people realize. Just go to the bars, you'll see several, doesn't matter what night you're there. "

Deadbeat wrote on Dec 3, 2008 9:41 AM:

" Dakota is right. I believe it is only fair for the paying parent to see where that money is going. Itemize it out for the paying parent(reciepts, etc.). Its really not that much to ask. The paying parent worked hard for that money and I think being able to see where it is going is only fair for both the child and that parent. I mean that's why we have pictures of our sons and daughters on our desks at work, because we love them and it motivates us to know that the money we are making at these jobs are providing them with a better quaility of life, we hope? That's where the itemization is needed. Maybe the extra (like there'd ever be any) be placed in an account for college or a vehicle later down the road. I'll be picking that one up to I'm sure. "

Sgt. wrote on Dec 3, 2008 10:51 AM:

" Get real dening parental rights for not paying child support is too extreme. A drivers license is the common denominator in the vast majority of non child support payers. Hunting licenses -Not everybody hunts, Deny parental rights -Some parents could care less about their children. The common denominator is in fact the driving privilage. What happens when a 10 year old child does not do chores? They get a privilage taken away. The same thing if a 16 year old gets an F in a subject at school they cannot use the car on Friday night. See the corrolation between responsability and privilage not punishment fitting the crime. A drivers license is a privilage that vast majority of citizens value and children are a responsiblity that parents inccur. The same principle or social rules need to be consistantly applied, If you don't take care of your responsibilities you may have restrictions placed on your privilages. "

Actually wrote on Dec 4, 2008 7:49 AM:

" If they don't pay their child support arrest them, throw them in jail, and make them work it off while incarcerated. A drivers license should be suspended only for driving violations. Taking someone's license will only ensure that they will not be able to pay their child support because they won't be able to get to work to make the money to pay. "

single mom wrote on Dec 4, 2008 1:54 PM:

" the problem with deadbeat parents is they are essentially to immature or self absorbed to care about anyone but them selves. My Ex-husband was more concerned about spending his paycheck (when we were married) on beer, cigarettes, and taking his "girlfriends" cruzing than on helping pay the bills. Taking away his driver's license would have forced him to pay something so he could get it back, being able to drive and prove he was old enough to drink was more important to him than anything else. Currently he is over $50,000 in the hole plus has a obligations for the state assistance I got for awhile. I went back to school and now can provide enough for my son on my own, but there were weeks were I lived on A box of mac-n-cheese to be able to pay the rent and the support would have helped; If it ever gets collected now, it is going straight into a Savings account for my son to use to pay for college (I already put $100/month in it). Last I heard he was working solely for room and board at a gas station/mechanic shop; has not filed a tax return since the they garnished his return the first year after the divorce, 10 years ago. I say takes his license and anyone else like him, male or female, who is to wrapped up in themselves to care about the children they leave behind to do without. "

Sgt. wrote on Dec 5, 2008 6:56 AM:

" To Single Mom, Thank you for sharing your thoughts, comments, and your hard work raising your family. "

Realist wrote on Dec 5, 2008 9:44 AM:

" single mom I hear you and can sympathize. Unfortunately, I do not believe that taking away driving priviledges will solve the problem, as if people are unable to drive it becomes hard to hold down a job and earn the money to pay anything with. I agree with actually on this one - lock them up and make them work off the child support. That will teach them and the punishment does fit the crime. "

Less Privileges wrote on Dec 5, 2008 11:09 AM:

" Taking away their driving privileges will get some of those who owe support to pay something. It won't get everyone; For some, just the (greater) possibility of losing their license, will get them to work harder & pay more attention to their obligation(s).

It's always been listed as something they can have taken away if they don't pay. Income taxes are also listed. The one thing this will do, is make it easier for Law Enforcement to get involved, and also help deter some from not paying. Right now, child support is seen as a joke by obligors who don't understand the real concept.

Remember, driving is a privilege; there are other ways to get to work. Many people get to work every day, without driving themselves. Casper has a bus system to help, walk, or car pool. It's funny how one can't work without driving, but a child should live without support from them. The custodial parent or person has to work double or triple duties when an obligor doesn't pay (much). Thus, they raise the child(ren) on their own, while the obligor still has visit rights. They (obligors) made a choice not to pay. It's one thing not to pay the whole amount because one can't afford it each month, but hardly anything for the whole year?

It's crazy how the person w/ custody can make ends meet no matter what, but a person w/o custody can't. Why is that? Choices. Its proven that those w/ less work harder. TAKE AWAY THEIR LICENSES. Give them their due-processes, but quit letting them get away w/ not paying. They'll work harder to pay it off & get their licenses back. Atleast some of them will, which will help those children get the help they need and make it less of a struggle for those involved. "

Belair wrote on Dec 5, 2008 1:36 PM:

" We are long over due in making punishments not only properly fit the crimes but also entice people not to recommit them. This is one such initiative that should herd the worthless to do the right thing. "

ibild wrote on Dec 6, 2008 2:25 AM:

" To all who have voiced their opinion, I was one who took the time out of the day lost a days pay as well, to show up in Casper to participate in these hearings. I helped to keep this legislation from getting passed.

i also have taken the time to read each one of these post. I must say that every one here has made a valid point. I think we all can agree by reading these post how difficult of subject this is. I to have a story but that is irrelavent.

for those of us that have to deal with child support enforcement, all know that wheather you are a custodial or non custodial the system in which we must work is broken. But we also know how much we need the help.

but also the society in which we live, is also broken. I would really love to see something be done. but it is a long and difficult battle one that i plan to make a life endeavor. For we must not forget who this is for, and that is our children.

If it isn't us who work together and with the help of this government agency. Then God forbid our children ever have to go through what we went through.

i can say this that it felt real good to have a win in helping stop this bad idea. There is so much we dont know, like 35000 plus child support orders in Wyoming, and half of those dont have a payment scheduale in place. but we worry about 1600 thats less then 5%, hmmm i think we should focus on the 15000 plus.

i am one who has an open mind to solving the problems. but has anyone ever heard how many people are paying? its always bad news, because that is what gets the most public out cry. The word "dead beat dad" is a little over played, when we look at the bigger picture. we must remember they are a minority, and its this minority that has cost us all the damage, and it is the weapon used against us to get these bad laws passed.

You can guantee that if it was a good idea i would be very glad and as helpful as i could in my support to Brenda Lyttle. Having met the lady a couple of times i am very impressed and i think she honestly looks to better the system.

So wheather we agree or disagree i would love to see you get involved and help me and other like yourselves to offer ideas to solve these issues and create a better system for those to come.
Thank you
ps i really enjoyed reading your concers... "

Yadda Yadda Yadda wrote on Dec 6, 2008 9:33 AM:

" I'll believe it when I see it. I raised two children from the time they were in kindergarten and their mother and I spent thousands of dollars to inforce the child support order. Countlss trips to court and NOTHING was ever done. She passed away, the kids grew up and still nothing was ever done. Now that she is gone I sit here with over $40,000 owed to me for supporting this guys kids, he still sees them and I get nothing. New Hampshire passed a law similar to this one but took it a step further....No support, no license after 60 days late then they pull professional licenses followed by certain jail time as warrants are issued by a computer, not a lame judge parking his or her rear behind a desk somewhere. Their people who were in errors went from a 80% behind to only 15% behind in months. If we were to employ people who actually went after those owing support things would be better....My daughter is supposed to be getting support from a dead beat dad that has had his licenses suspended in three states, still drives, works under the table, hides from the law, and nothing is ever done even when we call and tell them exactly where he is. We have called when he is in town and given them the exact address yet again nothing. Child support in Wyoming is a farce along with out law enforcement..... "

DM wrote on Dec 6, 2008 9:39 AM:

" What a joke, another law that wont be enforced. We also have laws about drunk drivers yet my sons' car was hit by a DWI driver that had over 6 DWI convictions within a years time and nothing was done.....Why did he even have a license and who the heck insured him.....sorry it was GEICO. Yes the government Employee Insurance Company insured a 6 time DWI driver, go figure. So pass your little laws, like you wont enforce them anyways. Money talks BS walks and that's the way it is folks so don't hold your breath for support, I never got mine and the kids are well into their 20's now. Dead beat dad lives right here in Casper Wyoming, I've given them his address yet nothing is done. He still drives, lives in low income housing, works under the table, and sells drugs yet nothing is done. Must be he pays thm more than I do........ "

RT wrote on Dec 6, 2008 9:45 AM:

" You see the problem here is the system. We the tax payers pay people to do jobs and if they don't do them they should be fired. Yet countless people go without paying support and the government employes that are hired to collect it sit behind their desks and do nothing. They should be fired. If I don't do my job I get fired so what makes them so grand they can sit there all day long, excuse me, on the phone, and say they are working on it. Right lady you work on it, I'll take my 357 and get results. Like right now...pay or die should be the new motto. Not pay or we'll consider taking your drivers license.....like that will stop them. All we'll have is a bunch of late payers driving without licenses. Furthermore thay can go to another state and get another license so what are we accomplishing here? Absolutely nothing which is what they are doing without the bill so why pass it. Bring back the law of the colt and get results, Pay OR Die. "

no easy way out wrote on Dec 6, 2008 9:51 AM:

DBM wrote on Dec 6, 2008 9:58 AM:

" $5000 and 90 days BS. Start the process immediately. As far as the whiny people that think drivins is a right wrong it is a privilage and should be pulled from those who wont pay. Lock them up in prison and toss out the key. For those men and women that whine about paying support did you ever hear of BIRTH CONTROL? Ya a $.75 rubber is a site better than $300 a month for 18 years! I am a custodial father and due to a flaw in the system my "X" lives on welfare, low income housing, gets food stamps, drives a newer car than I can afford and I haven't ever gotten a dime from her. We don't need more laws we need the laws enforced we already have. FORCE them to pay, take away their bennies, kick them out on the streets and maybe when they get cold enough the will fork out the money they owe us. What a farce this all is.....make another law that is so lame and broad it will never be enforced. If we need the law tighten it up, 60 days late your license is gone, 90 days late you are arrested for minimum of 30 days, 120 days late you are sent to Rawlins for 6 months, no questions, no goodie behavior, no time out on weekends to work, you loose and that should be that. Yes the prison will get over crouded for awhile but maybe next time they will pay on time like they wre ordered to in the first place. "

Burt wrote on Dec 6, 2008 10:04 AM:

" Perspective: If I get a speeding ticket and refuse to pay, or don't show up in court, I get a warrant issued which, if I get stopped again I get arrested and tossed in jail, and for what? A simple $50 speeding ticket. More than likely I will spend the night there thinking about what I did wrong and wear the grand orange jump suit the following morning in the court room where the judge will order me to pay the fine, court costs, warrant fees etc until I have learned that it was much simpler to have paid the fine in the first place. Yet this law allows dead beats to be in errors $5000 and late 90 days before they will do anything? WTF is up with this? Furthermore if you get 4 tickets in a year you loosed driving privilages but again $5000 and 90 days??? Cmon people if we are to control it we need to enforce it to the max. 30 days suspend licenses, 60 days late issue warrants and if you haven't picked them up, for some unknown reason, within 90 days mandatory 30 days in jail no bail, no weekend work program, which mind you is an easy way for druggies to get their jollies off for a couple days, nothing. Just lock them up and give them time to think about it. "

JammorgMommy wrote on Dec 6, 2008 11:04 PM:

" Here's a novel idea....How about if a parent won't pay child support, then STERILIZE them so that kind of problem won't occur again......I realize that this will never happen but it's a thought anyway. Now if they could just find a solution for "sperm/egg donors" who pay the very minimum that they can, continue breeding, and have the audacity to behave as though they should get a "parent of the year" award only because they pay child support even though they haven't seen their child in over a year because they ran off to another state like a cowardly dog....Yes this is a personal experience...Grrrr..... "

ok wrote on Dec 8, 2008 3:13 PM:

" Yes, let's find completely unrelated punishments for every crime. Let's take your fishing license away for running a stop sign; take away your hunting license for not returning your library book on time. Come on a drivers license has nothing to do with child support. If people don't pay their child support, let's find ways to collect the child support instead of taking away their means of getting to work to earn a living; that is completely counter-productive. How about just aggressively collecting the child support? Put the IRS in charge of collecting it; they do a pretty good job of collecting taxes. "

tampatammy wrote on Dec 11, 2008 1:17 PM:

" I must agree with Burt. I know that if I got a parking ticket and didn't pay for it I would go to jail or have my license suspended. Yet, my daughter's father owes over 40,000 in court ordered child support and doesn't even have a warrant issued on him.
Justice???
If you are court ordered to do something, do it or pay the consequences like everyone else in society.

Downwithdeadbeats.com "

In the Best Interest of the Child wrote on Dec 23, 2008 5:17 PM:

" Driving is a privilege. If one doesn't pay support, why should they be able to drive? If one drives, is behind in support, and gets pulled over, chances are that there is a contempt of court for non-support!

FYI:
There are more deadbeat mothers than deadbeat fathers. 43% of mothers and 68% of fathers pay their support. "

Outraged wrote on Jan 19, 2009 12:15 PM:

" Paying child support is a responsibility. I do. I have my wages garnished. I think before Wyoming tries to suspend drivers licenses they need to update their system. My support is $875.00 per month. That is $10,500 per year or a deduction of $201.92 per week. Here's the problem I have been dealing with for years: This year I finally can get a tax refund of $1600.00. It was denied by the Federal Tax intercept for child support arrears. I recieved (as I do every month) from Child support services as of 1/1/09 arrears were $2288.60. My company withheld from my check and paid $10,504 for the year. An overpayment of $4.00. The Wyoming system is about 3 months behind in updating the records to be even close to current. Well, this hinders my ability to get my tax refund and wastes my time to chase my hard earned money that I am leagally due because of a slow system. Suspending a drivers license or restricting a passport or even the credit reporting of non-payments when they are made is a direct violation of my rights. I now have to fight with the Child support services and the IRS to get my monies when I am current and labeled a criminal!
I would like to hear from others that have this same problem. I think it should be addressed to the Wyoming Government and be heard before they wrongly accuse us that do follow the laws and enforce suspensions and such.. "

J wrote on Jan 26, 2009 9:42 PM:

" I think this is a great idea! And for all of you men complaining about it and how "garnishment of wages is suppose to take care of this" just deal with it! In my case my childs father quit his job and is believed to work for a family member and is paid under the table so there is no way to garnish his wages so then what?
I think this is fair, the guys can jack us around so they can suffer the consequences! If they want their license then they should take care of their other responsibilities. The courts give to much on guys who don't pay their support so if this is what will force them to pay, then this is what needs to be done! "

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