[TRACYJEN]

I have an important question. I am 30 years old I had a child when I was 18 who I haven't seen since he was 3 years old. I had the child and was with the father for awhile then we broke up because he was abusive and I raised the child by myself. He asked for more visitation rights and we never went to court and he never paid child support. I just let him see him when he wanted to eventually he ended up with him and I moved out of state. The child came to live with me for a while when his dad went to jail then went to visit his dad's family for christmas and I never saw him again. We never had a court battle but he came after me for child support and lied about the time he had him. I have paid all my back child support about $8000.00 and now continue to pay $347.00 a month in currant child support. The father works seasonal low paying jobs so I have to pay more. My question is I was told by the case worker in South Dakota that I could give up my rights and as long as they claim him I don't have to pay child support. I would love to support my child but I would also like to see my child and the first time I get a phone number or address for my child they change the number and move. I just need some advice on what I need to do Im sick of supporting my crazy ex and his crazy girlfriend. I just want to be done with them for good.

[Fr_Chuck]

And of course why would they want to do that if the judge would let them.

Normally giving up your "rights" has nothing to do with not paying child support, and any agreement to not pay child support would have to be approved by the judge. Also if the parent of that child with custody would get welfare then the state has an interest in getting back part of that money from the non custody parent also. So often the state will not let you give up child support unless there is a step parent wanting to adopt.

And in the end why would they want to give up that 347 dollars a month if they don't need to.