Here are the facts:
Bears father was court ordered to pay me $32 a week in child support, back in 1988.
I have never requested an increase in this amount, even though every year the prosecutor's office allows me to do that.
He has only paid towards this debt when the courts seized his tax check
He has not provided one minute of child care, never come to visit, never sent a birthday or Christmas card.
He owes me close to 30,000 in back support - 17 years times $32 per week.
The prosecutor sent me a letter asking if I woudl accept a lump payment of $15,000 to pay off the debt.
More opinionated facts: I don't think he can get a loan for 15 grand to start with, and I know he is gainfuly employed because they are sending me his tax refund.
So here is the poll - what would you do? Take the settlement - demand more money - take him back to court - something else? Leave me a comment, please.
12 comments:
I would be hard pressed to refuse $15,000. You could put that into a college fund for Bear. That would go a long way towards paying student debt. You know you won't ask for more later if you don't ask for it now.
I agree with Summer. You could use that money for Bear's school- which, if she qualifies for the Hope scholarship, that would help w/ her living on campus.
15 G's is quite a bit of money. I think that if *you* feel like your daughter needs more, then by all means, go at it with both guns ablazin.
You'll come to the right choice- although it may not be easy. Best of luck sweets. (hug)
I'm with you either way, Honey. A bird in the hand may be worth two in the bush, but it would also be nice to make this schmuck own up to his responsibilities.
I vote for making the schmuck own up to his responsibilities, but with Bear this close to college it would be nice to have that much cash NOW.
Take the 15 G's. And consider yourself lucky. The man hasn't paid a dime in, what, seventeen years? If you can get him to pay you ANYTHING, it'll be better than what you've got so far.
Gosh, it irritates me when men don't give a shit, and don't have to.
Hukay. I take it that you want to be free of this guy and not have this drag on forever? But, I would attach a date to your agreement -- you get the money by April 01 or whatever seems reasonable. I don't know the legal ins and outs but I think that setting a date will let you know sooner rather than later if he'll come through. If not you can squeeze for the full amount.
My two cents -
Going by past behaviour, he isn't going to pay you on a weekly basis ever. If you are guaranteed $15k now then take it - because you'll never see the weekly payments and, be honest, you never expected to see the money anyway, did you? But - it is a substantial figure to give up, so if you think you can get him to pay it after a court case (because you will win, but getting him to pay you is another matter altogether) then certainly hold out for the full sum. Also, $15k is a bit low, so maybe go half way and say you'll settle for $20k, or $25k? Whatever you do, we'll all be behind you!
You all are the best!!! I am going to start by asking for the full amount, and say that $15000 is a good start, but will probably settle for the $15,000. Luckily for Bear, there is a good man at home to pick up the slack where he missed out.
Momma, I think we should take the 15 and move on with our lives...We've done just fine without his money, and we'll continue to do so...with or without. I love you.
If you can get the $15,000 cash guaranteed, I'd go for it. To get more, you will probably be tied up in court forever, and maybe only net the $15,000 after it was all over with. You've already run. Now just take the money.
P.S. He can make up the difference when Bear gets married!
Jerry - I adore you but you just said married and Bear in the same sentence and I am having a stroke at my desk!!!!
I'd take the 15 and cut him out of your life. Be done with it and the constant anger that must go along with this battle.
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