However, the courts may not always be right when it comes to the collection of child support, or the issuance of orders regarding the same.

There are many cases where men--and some women--have been literally forced into a position where they have to decide: 'Do I eat this week, or, pay my child support?'

Back in February, Kathleen Parker wrote a column on happenings in the state of Alabama about a move to publish another 'deadbeat parents'photo gallery in the effort to increase collections.

The underlying objective: 'rallying public shame' against those parents who have had a long-term lack of cooperation in taking care of their children.

It wasn't the usual 'bash 'em all' type of column many female (and male) columnists pen to curry public favor (like politicians and custodial parents), but it provided a balanced view.

The irony is that many who are involved with the child support system will 'see' what they want to see in the column, without thinking about those who have to pay support, without seeing their children for months--or years--on end.

TIME FOR SOME AGGRESSIVE VISITATION ENFORCEMENT:

That last statement may shock a few of you, but take it from me. Just because a man pays his support, and may even be paid up-to-date, there is no guarantee that they will be able to see their children for whom the support is being paid.

In other words, when one buys a car, pays for a bag of groceries, or buys a house, you can see what you are getting, and where the money is going.

While there are laws on the books mandating visitation rights in many states, those rights are seldom enforced by the courts--without a lot of expenses having to be paid by those already 'on the hook' for child support.

Add to this the fact that, according to federal guidelines, up to fifty percent of one's income can be ordered 'garnished' by the court to satisfy a child support obligation.

Thus, if a non custodial parent gets a five dollar a week raise on the job, and the custodial parent gets wind of it, they could order the non custodial back into court for a new child support order--and still not grant visitation rights to that parent.

Many have called America's child support system: 'The modern-day resurrection of the debtors prison system.'

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