I am writing this report due to unusual circumstances regarding the Wayne County Friend of the Court and my ex-husband of about 10 years. I originally had custody of my two children after my ex-husband abandoned us. A few years later, I was working full time and going to college part-time, and it was difficult to be home as much as I needed to be, as my son was getting out of control and not doing well in school.
I thought that because my ex's wife was home all day, maybe my son could get more supervision and help with his schoolwork. Then my daughter decided she wanted to try living with her father for a while - she could relate to my ex's wife as more of a friend bbecause they were much closer in age. I agreed, but at theee time thought it would just be temporary. My children made friends and decided they wanted to stay by their friends, rather than moving back with me.
I was ordered to pay support to my ex at this time. Most of the support was not forwarded to my ex, because I knew the situation had changed, and that the monies would not bbe used for the welfare of my children. I wanted to regain custody of my children, but did not want to put them in the middle of a battle, and I knew they wanted to be near their friends.
So I proceeded to see them often, buying them their clothes and necessities when needed. It wasn't until a few years ago that protective services stepped in because my son had been abused by his fathher. I tried to regain custody of my son at that time, because I was concerned for his welfare. Protective services denied my plea, stating that they wanted to try to work things out between my son and his father.
Then, 2 years ago, my ex tried to start their house on fire, and threatened to hurt everyone (my son, his friend, my ex's wife and 3 small children.) I picked up my son and brought him home with me. I regainned custody of him at this time. Since, my ex has been diagnosed as Bi-Polar. He has left his present wife and children, and moved out of state with a girlfriend. My daughter has been living on her own for about 3 years, and has a 9 month old baby boy of her own.
I have my son in counseling due to the abuse both physically and mentally by his father. He hates his father and never wants to see him again. My son has told me that he could never tell me about all the abuse that was going on because his father threatened to kill him if he told me, and he was very afraid. My ex has been ordered to pay support for my son, which I thought could just be applied to any arrearage I owed him. I have made numerous attempts to write to the friend of thee court over the past couple years to resolve this matter, and make some sort of arrangements.
However, I have received no response from them - I was perfectly willing to make payment arrangements that were feasible, without making it impossible for my son and I to live. //recently, I received a letter from the friend of the court stating that my work wages were to be garnished in the amount of 297.00 per week. To say the least, I was shocked. This would leave myself and my son with just over 400.00 per month to live on, as I do not make a great deal of money. This will start with my next paycheck.
We will lose our home, car, and my job due to lack of transportation. Then, ironically, there will be no money for anyone. I thought the friend of the court was concerned about families and children. Right now, we are so poor we can't even afford more than the one pair of pants we both own. Is it the job of the state and the friend of the court to make the homeless numbers grow. I am not trying to hide from any obligation, and have even made attempts to resolve this, but to no avail. All I want is for a "real" person (not a taped phone message) to listen to me and help me.
I would certainnly be willing to resolve my arrearage a little at a time, but we don't want to lose our home, job, etc. Over this. I am a hard working person annd don't want to leave or lose my job due to this, not to mention that I wouldn't be able to pay any arrearage if that happened. I simply want to work out a reasonable plan. My son and I are real people, not just numbers, but feel like nno one cares a bit whether we are homeless or not. Something needs to be resolved before we join the numbbers on the streets. If anyone understannds and shows empathy for our plight, please respond. It would be greatly appreciated. Thank You.
Christine
HIGHLAND, Michigan
U.S.A.
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