View Full Version : If a parent shows a history of not paying bills is this relevant to fitness?
thomas_kevin1
May 19, 2010, 02:55 AM
My daughters mother (the custodial parent) has filed for bankruptcy she makes $73,000.00
However she is hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt.Is this relevant to a finding of unfitness?
tickle
May 19, 2010, 03:14 AM
If her bankruptcy is related to her just not being able to keep up (if she owns a home) I could understand that; many people are in the same boat nowadays. If you think it is due to 'unfitness', meaning she squandered her money away on drugs, booze and gambling, then yes, I would say you have a case if it is endangering her/your children, but you would have to prove that is why before proceeding to do what I think you want to do. It may not be the reason though. You can't damn people by assumptions.
Tick
ScottGem
May 19, 2010, 04:01 AM
That alone would not be enough to deem unfitness. However, if the child is not well cared for (decent clothes, healthy etc.) it could be a contributing factor.
Many people have gotten caught in a credit crunch because of high balances accrued.
stinawords
May 19, 2010, 07:46 AM
As pointed out that would not make a case by itself. These are not easy times and to be honest $73,000 really isn't all that much money. Granted it isn't poverty but it isn't $150,000 either. Now, if you can prove that she isn't taking care of the child that is a different story.