It might work for some people, but not all, and for the people they did prosecute, the RP still wouldn't get any maintenance anyway, so who does it actually benefit?
The thousands of people for whom the threat of prison would be a reason to pay.
The fact that a few wouldn't isn't a reason to not do it, in fact that's part of the reason that CMS don't bother with their powers. Everyone thinks "ah well some won't pay anyway, so whats the point" and then nothing ever changes.
yep, again true. I personally wouldn't date someone who didn't pay for their children, but equally I think a lot of people get into relationships and wouldn't even know this until months even years had gone by, and then its much harder to leave. Not an excuse, but I think that's what happens.
That is an excuse though. People do know and don't care. Or do know and actively encourage it. Again, it might not change it for everyone, but it would for a lot of people.
the thing is, this does happen. Its not most women, its probably a very small minority, but it does happen. Some women are just as bad as some men when it comes to giving a shit about their kids rather than themselves.
I never used the phrase "most women" at any point. I said especially from women because I think mothers, sisters, girlfriends and wives could have a huge influence on this issue. Especially mothers - too many play the "not my business" card whereas if any of my kids ever neglect their children by not bothering to contribute to them they will damn well hear my opinon on it.
They’ve never asked me anything about whether he pays child support. I suspect they know he doesn’t but just don’t want to know for sure.
Whereas they should want to know. They should want to know and make their opinion known. It might not make a different to the ex, but it would in some cases, and would also help with showing your DC that actually most people disgree with their father.
My DDs Grandparents and I don't see eye-to-eye on everything, but two things I'll always admire them for are the fact they make such a good effort with my girls and the fact that they've openly told their son that they find his manner to his children (firstly not paying, then not bothering to have contact) disgusting.
It took a long time for drink driving to become socially unacceptable and the same needs to happen with willfully financially neglecting your children just because you don't like your ex.