SINKING SHIPS

Deadbeat Dad

"Many people think of child support when they think of deadbeat dad; however, these dads also may classify as deadbeat if they refuse to care adequately for their children". - Unknown

The day had arrived.  Calista would face Beau in Court.  She had not slept all night.  She got up early.  She found her nicest outfit and fixed her hair.  She did not know why she cared but she wanted him to see that she had not curled up and died.

She walked in to the courthouse and looked on the display board to see where she needed to go.  When she entered she could see her lawyer waiting on her.

You nervous? Yes sir.  Do not worry it will be alright.  She heard Beau's name and her name called.  Here we go.

Present your honor.  I see here that Mr. Reynolds and Ms. Reynolds have been divorced over a year and at that time child support and visitation was established.  Why are we hear today?

Your honor, Mr. Reynolds has not honored the agreement. He has not paid child support nor has he visited the two minor children.

Mr. Reynolds is this true.  Yes your honor.  I do not understand. What is that you do not understand about the agreement.  I understand your honor.  I have needed my finances to start over.  

Hmmm.  Have you changed jobs or taken a pay cut since the agreement.  No sir.  Alright, I guess I am still confused.  This court determined you were able to pay the amount that was set during your divorce.  You have not been able to give me a valid reason as to why you have not been making payments.

Your honor, I have not seen or spoken to my children in the past year.  

Ms. Reynolds is there a reason why he has not been allowed to see or speak to his children.  Your honor he is deliberately trying to make you think that he was not allowed to see his children.  That is not true.  Our address is still the same.

Mr. Reynolds? Your honor the situation was not a comfortable situation.

Alright.  I'm ready to rule in this case.  

Your honor?  Yes Ms. Reynolds.  I would like to ask for permission to move to North Carolina with my children.  Ms. Reynolds you do not need permission.  Should Mr. Reynolds desire to see the children, arrangements would need to be made according to the agreement that is in place.  Thank you sir.

Mr.  Reynolds I am always amazed when a parent comes to court for failure to take responsibility for thier children.  You are hereby ordered to pay Ms. Reynolds the child support ordered by the original agreement.  You will be required to get with the clerk of court today to arrange for payment of the child support owed for the past year.  Mr. Reynolds, if you fail to make your monthly payments or to pay what is owed a warrant will be issued for your arrest.  Do you understand the ruling as stated?  Yes sir.  Mr. Reynolds iit s sad that you have not seen your children. I can not make you see them but as a father I can tell you that you are missing out on the greatest blessings of your life.  

Ms. Reynolds I applaud you for insisting on his participation in the support of your children. Even if it is nothing more than the financial support.  I wish you the best.  Thank you your honor.

As Calista walked out, she thanked her lawyer.  She was appreciative of any help she received to ensure her children were cared for.  She heard her name being called. It was Beau.  The lady that walked with him was pregnant.  He came up to her all red faced.  She could tell he was furious.  Her lawyer stood beside her to ensure nothing happened.  Calista how could you do this?  I told you I did not have any money. She stood straight and confident. Beau I have not done anthing to you.  You made the decison to leave your family.  Just because you want a new life does not mean you are no longer responsible for your children.  I have been struggling to make ends meet and was unable to make ends meet. You are not my priority.  Austin and Dakota are my priority. 

Whatever, you are a vindictive b***h said the woman beside him.  Listen, tell your friend this is none of her business. It is my business.  I am his wife and we are expecting a child.  Calista laughed at her.  You are crazy.  He does not even want to take care of or see the children he already has.  It is because of you!  Calista laughed again and turned around and waved her hand in the air dismissing them while raising her middle finger.  Do not forget my check she yelled back and walked out of the court house.

Calista sat in her car trying to catch her breath.  She could not believe that the judge had laid in to Beau the way he had.  She smiled recalling what had been said. She took a deep breath and thanked God for standing beside her today and for giving her the strength to stand up to Beau.  

Two weeks had gone by and no child support.  She was beginning to wonder if she would ever receive any help.  She sat down to look through the mail.  There was a letter from the Attorney General's office. She opened the letter to find a check for $10,800.  Beau had paid in full.  A light went off in Calista's head. If she was going to move, now was the time.  She would use the ten thousand eight hundred dollars as a down payment on a new home in North Carolina near her mother. She would not have to wait for her current home to sale. She would use those funds to pay the house off but no longer needed them to make the down payment.  She was seeing possibilities of a new and improved future.