So many threads and stories about a parent - usually the father, but not always - not being financially responsible or having contact after relationship breakdown. I think....
That parents who duck out of paying for their kids (as opposed to parents who CAN'T pay due to their circumstances) should be publicly named and shamed - on the side of buses, if I had my way.
That if you quit a job to avoid paying for your kids, you get no benefit, or half of it is taken at source before it's passed to you, or you are made to do community work to 'pay' for the benefits your ex has to have to pay for the kids that you won't pay for.
That there should be a minimum child support payment and that if you pay less than that (say if you are on benefits for a while), then the difference accumulates and stays on file for payment at a later date and you WILL be made to fork out!
That not paying child support can land you in court with a possible jail term depending on reasons for non payment.
That arrears will ALWAYS be payable, even after 50 years! Or taken from your estate at your death if they have to!
What do you think? I just don't see why more isn't done to make people pay for their kids and I don't see why society doesn't have total disgust for anyone who deliberatly avoids paying for their kids (not those who can't pay due to genuine circumstances).