Non Custodial Parent Profile_Vent

BrownParent
Wed, 22 Oct 2008 03:37:12 +0000

I was in a similar situation to you in that my child’s father had not seen her. I had gone to court and was receiving child support. So I can imagine your dilemma when confronted with this requirement for him to provide financials. And perhaps you can imagine mine when I thought I would have to to attempt to contact someone from that long ago. We knew this was not going to happen, and even we could manage forms filled out, that there would be no contribution. Indeed when she turned 18 (after Sr year,) there was no check sent from the very first month.

I was clear in my waiver request that he had not seen her, there was never a single phone call, there was never a gift, there was never a card. There was only a note to me asking for reduction in support.

But unlike you, I felt it vital that her schools were well aware, ditto all the professionals in our life. I never had any reason not to be sure they knew of our situation. For one thing, so they would be sensitive if any issue arose that might be related to girls not having fathers around. (fortunately none did.) And it helped me have a certain level of community support. But aside from my word for it, the school knew that there was no Dad showing up for the usual events.

We did recieve waivers from all schools with no issue. But I do think schools have to be very careful to not make it a situation where they just take your word for it. And I think the solution they use is going to cover most cases–I find it reasonable and realistic. I do wish there was a way that single parents understood the need for independent verification when they need to know, like from elementary school, and had a means to track that.

Looks like things are well in hand for you now, so just deep breath. Best luck to your kid in her acceptances.