Bobby Brown isn't the only non-custodial parent feeling the heat these days. Noncustodial parents will likely see a substantial increase in child support in the State of Utah if SB23 passes the Utah State Senate. States vary widely on their methodologies to determine child support and Utah hasn't typically been the most aggressive in making sure child support amounts reflect current economic data and the true costs of raising children.
So this could be a sign of things to come for other states. I hope so. Non-custodial parents (frequently fathers) have real complaints about the difficulty of being treated like "just a paycheck" and the drain on their incomes of paying child support. I'm sympathetic. To a point. Obviously, the interested parties in cases of dual custody where child support is at stake have very different viewpoints.
Since my ex- and I decided to put aside our differences and have meetings to discuss the real financial needs of our twin daughters, the whole arrangement has become so much more harmonious than in the early days when child support was used more as a weapon against each other. Ultimately, people can save themselves and their children much heartache by trying to mediate disputes out of court and in a more cooperative frame of mind. This is obviously much easier said than done, especially if your ex is a complete ass.
