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Father sentenced to 6 months in jail for paying too much child support

Police State USA
Thu, 09 Jan 2014 23:03 UTC

A father will spend half of 2014 behind bars for doing too much for his son. After overpaying child support and seeing his son too often - breaking terms that were secretly modified without his knowledge - a judge sentenced him to a lengthy jail sentence.

Clifford Hall has been doing his best to give care to his 11-year-old son, who lives with his ex-wife. He pays his child support and visits regularly. "I'm his father it's my responsibility to take care of him," Hall said.

Last November, his child support payments were paid in full. Sometime between then and now, the child support agreement between Hall and his wife was modified without his knowledge.

Hall wound up overpaying by $3,000, a fact that Harris County District Court Judge Lisa Millard found contemptible.

Another term that was modified without his knowledge was his visitation schedule. Subsequently, Hall was found to have over-visited his son.

Judge Millard ended up finding Hall in contempt of court.

When she said I remand you to the Harris County Jail for 180 days my mouth just dropped," Hall told FOX 26 Houston.

In addition to the six month jail sentence, Judge Millard is forcing Hall to pay his ex-wife's attorney fees.

"I can't be there for my son in jail," Hall said. "I can't pay child support in jail. This is not in the best interest of the child."

Hall is correct. Such heavy-handed actions on the part of the court serve no one. Not only is the child going to be deprived of his father for the next 6 months, but taxpayers will have to pay the father's incarceration, and will potentially be forced to subsidize the mother's living expenses in lieu of the child support payments.

It just goes to show us that no good deed goes unpunished in Police State USA.

Comment: This is a perfect example of what happens when psychopathic 'morality' infects a society and turns most of the population, and especially the 'authorities', into half-wits, exactly as Lobaczewski described in Political Ponerology.

UPDATE: According to another report, Hall didn't pay too much child support - he caught up on back-payments that he claims he didn't know he owed as soon as he found out about them. At the above link we read:

When Hall and his unidentified ex-wife were in Judge Lisa Millard's court last November, Hall didn't owe anything.

"Opposing counsel testified twice that he's all paid up," Elam told the news station. [...]

In the video above, they note that the judge said Hall walked out of court after being held in contempt - not that he was held in contempt because he walked out.

Thus, it still appears, as of now, to be rather unjust.

Reader Comments

Mariama · 2014-01-10T03:34:48Z

But his ex-wife must have known that the child support agreement was modified. How can a court know that Clifford Hall was "overpaying" and "over-visiting" his son?

I often notice that ex-partners conspire with child protective agencies and the courts in order to get back at the other parent. It doesn't matter whether the child suffers, it's a psychopathic ploy IMO.

Jjuscurious · 2014-01-11T19:24:57Z

I bet the son told his mother that he wants to live with his Dad, she got mad then decided to show her son that his Dad wasn't anything special, so she made sure she did whatever she could to get the Dad out of the childs life so she can say, "See, where is your Dad at now? I'm the one who takes care of you"

FrustratedStepMom · 2014-01-12T18:10:30Z

This is 2014 Courts

It seems when it comes to child support the laws are still in the dark ages. The rules were made when women stayed home and the man worked. The Ex wives have all the rights and the man is the bad one. The woman lies and uses the children as a tool. The Child Support agincies get fees for collecting the child support. Don't thinks its' just the court system. Lucky for me I had a great Budget person. And I repeat budget person and not the person assigned to the ex wife and children. That person was useless. Keep in mind child support rules vary from state to state and I was dealing with the state of OHO! The father should pay the child support however the amount is so high that the father can't even support himself and he goes to jail if he does not pay. The exwife lies and states she does not work and continues to collect the child support amount which the judge has decided to be. I am not sure how they really check to see if the exwife works. I would think they could check with social security if she doesn't work under the table. My point of all this is that the father gets screwed and gets all the debt and she can work too -- it is 2014 woman can work and have children 2. She just chooses not to. Another part to this is she left him...took off with the neighbor, married him and now she get 2 paychecks...her new husband and her ex?? I am the stepwife. Am I angry sure am! and this goes on and on again and again and those ex-wives get away with it. It has been years since this has happened but it was a struggle for the father. I knew what I was getting into but it's just not right. The amount of child support needs to be looked into and changed! Enough is enough and we need to support these father who do pay.! I am a female and see how these women to do to those men....trap them and use them.

Ashley816 · 2014-01-13T14:31:30Z

This story is horrible inaccurate

From a legal standpoint, this is simply not possible.

(1) .sott - you need to actually research before you publish. Had a very simple 5 minute investigation been performed you would have immediately found out that this story is rife with inaccuracies;

(2) you cannot be thrown in jail for OVER paying on child support. It simply is not possible;

(3) I looked up this case on Harris County's website and there have been FOUR motions to enforce against this father. This means that on AT LEAST four separate occasions he has not been in compliance with court orders. There is only so much blatant disobedience that judges can put up with before they finally throw people in jail;

(4) the father knew about any modifications to the child support order, so it simply is not true when he claims he didn't know. Per court documents, he was served with papers every single time a motion to modify was filed in this case. In arguendo, if he wasn't served with papers and therefore NOT given notice of any modifications, a court is procedurally prohibited from entering any type of modification, judgment, or order against him.

Ashley816 · 2014-01-13T14:37:51Z

Link to the Case

[Link]

Hugh Mann · 2014-01-10T05:02:14Z

As I have said many times, you not find justice in a crooked court system. The game is rigged.

Animanarchy · 2014-01-10T11:28:29Z

Animanarchy

The decisions by the judge are retarded.

Ashley816 · 2014-01-13T14:39:04Z

Don't believe everything you read

Come on people. Common sense. You cannot be thrown in jail for over paying on child support.

Read the case:

[Link]

AOC · 2014-01-10T14:11:12Z

Why...

Why isnt this on front page news instead of all the balony they put there? I agree with Mariama. This story is so outlandish it is difficult to believe.
I remember being told by a para-legal in regards to divorces and child support and that stuff that "it's a woman's world and men breath in it".

Ashley816 · 2014-01-13T14:33:01Z

It's not front page news b/c this story is horribly inaccurate. Very little of what is portrayed in this story is actually true.

Divide By Zero · 2014-01-10T20:57:53Z

The ex wife started this crap...

Why would she do this to someone who is being a good father???
It sounds like they are hiding some nefarious intentions by her and her lawyer.

confused · 2014-01-11T09:09:40Z

This is so stupid. You'd think the winch.would be happy getting a extra $3,000 and him spending to much time is ridiculous!!!! Judge and her should be happy. And if things like that change both parties should have to sign to acknowledge the changes so ignorant stuff like this doesn't happen. I feel bad for him. Alot of dad's/moms don't do crap, but they still out running the streets. This is so wrong. I feel bad for him. The mom should be charged to then for excepting the money!

Ashley816 · 2014-01-13T14:40:57Z

It's actually not stupid at all

(1) the "winch" did not get an extra $3000. That money went to her attorney to pay her legal fees.
(2) You ARE required to "sign to acknowledge" changes. He knew of the modifications. He was served with notice of the proceedings per court documents.

marshar · 2014-01-11T09:52:50Z

What a crock of crap

I am still scratching my head wondering where the judge attended law school. This is one of the most ridiculous decisions I have ever heard of taking place within the judicial system. As for the mother of the child she really needs to bend over and have her a _ _ kicked.

Divide By Zero · 2014-01-11T14:38:32Z

It's really the lawyer's case that made the judge rule that. In a case, you have to go by the "facts" whatever that is.
It was probably some technicality that the ex-wife's lawyer was able to get this judgement on the man. The judge does have freedom to set sentences, but if the prosecutor shows a law being violated, no matter how stupid, it has to be considered by the judge. The judge can't say, no this law is nothing.

Anyway, Again I place the blame on the ex wife who had to plan this out or find this loophole with her lawyer to nail the guy.

chunt · 2014-01-11T09:53:57Z

Here is something about the Judge:

[Link]

syrs842 · 2014-01-11T17:39:26Z

I went into the link you supplied now I understand alot.
Quite a sneaky little devil she is. If I could use more I would.

Devinmum · 2014-01-11T12:06:16Z

Say WHAT?!

Besides the fact he should have been notified about the changes in his agreement, isn't it obvious the ex is getting away with more than her attorney fees getting paid for? She should have to pay back that $3,000!
If it's not the ex's fault this happened, she should do the right thing. He's been doing the right thing (according to the info we're seeing) for his kid. Which is a lot more than we can say about a lot of parents out there!

FrustratedStepMom · 2014-01-12T18:23:12Z

In the dark

The father is the last to know anything. The only notice he gets is ...your wages have increased so now you owe more child support. The father I spoke about his wages were cut in 1/2 and we told child support. But do you think she did the same. No she left that part out. Also you need to make sure you document every payment. Those child support agencies make mistakes. They told my husband the father he owed 2k in back childsupport. I had to find and get a copy of every check for the past 10 years. What a pain but it had to be done! Keep good records and copies of cancelled checks. Do not leave it up the the agency.. I had a great fiscal person and she knew her stuff. She told me to make sure 1 and 1/2 years prior to the child turning 18 to get he the paperwork together because she knew what the ex wife was up to... she stated don't give that woman a dollar more! These exwife know how to play the game and they some times don't even have to pay for a lawyer. Angry as heck at the way the men get screwed!

Ashley816 · 2014-01-13T14:35:18Z

False. 100x false. He WAS notified, per court documents (it's public record, look it up for yourself), and no, the ex is NOT getting way more than just her attorney fees, seeing as how she's had to file four motions to enforce against the father dating back to 2008. EASILY $3000 legal bill for that many motions.

Barbdeblois · 2014-01-11T12:28:08Z

wow!

My husband made a good point. So when does he get his $3000 back? It is impossible for me to believe this is the whole story. I just don't see how this could happen.

Ashley816 · 2014-01-13T14:42:30Z

Hard to believe b/c it's not true

This story is insanely inaccurate.

[Link]
^ Link to the court case. He doesn't get the $3000 back - it went to pay her attorney for the FOUR motions to enforce she had to file against him for non-compliance.

Meka2014 · 2014-01-11T12:46:01Z

What tha What!!!!!!

Instead of putting a man in jail for paying his child support, even if he did over pay. How about putting tha men in jail that's on child support and don't pay anything.

horsigrl · 2014-01-11T13:34:26Z

Where is the logic in this crap?

And my ex was in contempt twice for not showing up for our child support hearings and he got nothing. Not even a slap on the wrist or a fine. And this man gets 6 months in jail for doing the right thing...and may I add that not enough fathers do. It's not his fault. I would give anything for my sons father to step up and be half the dad this man is being.

FrustratedStepMom · 2014-01-12T18:27:56Z

Like I said earlier the childsupport agencies and the court systems are a still living in the dark ages. They seem to be on the exwife side. Yes there are many deadbeat Dads however this is not the case here! I am so glad this was posted. At least people can be aware of what really happens in courts. They need to revamp laws to be with the 2014 ... women work and most men do pay.

Chris65 · 2014-01-11T13:52:33Z

Sack Judge Lisa Millard!!!

There are wastes of space out there who do nothing for their children, and this poor guy does more than expected and gets put away. Not exactly a good message to he sending out!
She has not made the world a better place, i wonder what else she has mis-judged ?? how many other lives has she ruined????
I along with my friends are disgusted!!!!!

1stlady_lala · 2014-01-11T14:35:45Z

ABSURD!

This judge needs to be held in contempt for making such a ridiculous ruling! Who does that????? There are so many men and women who aren't paying a dime towards child support or even taking the time to spend quality time with there children, and this so-called fair judge have this man locked up for paying too much money and spending too much time with his child......."ARREST THE JUDGE!"

harper · 2014-01-11T15:00:42Z

wtf

I been looking 4 my son at least 8 years and he is 8 going on 9 and pay child support .the child support ppl kept on telling there is no way they can help. now there a father who sees his son on a regular basis and paying his child support ahead of time and he goes 2 jail for it just because some dumb b?!@# and a f#$% judge did behid his back. not only he should get out of jail up get paid for being in there but also get his son in his custody

struza · 2014-01-11T15:10:10Z

Corrupt justice

As far as I'm concerned, fathers like him should be commended not sentenced. The court system should butt its nose OUT of families' lives. It is NOT in the best interest of the child to have the courts say what can/cannot happen. For mothers like this one, she should be sterilized and never have any more children. Women like her should be taught a very good lesson about what it means to actually be part of a family. I raised my child with no child support (I wanted it that way). It can be done people. STOP trying to live off of other peoples money and get off your azz and work for it yourself. NO MONEY should ever exchange hands when it comes to children. If they need clothes, food...school supplies etc seek help from other parent and get those specific items. DON'T ask for money. Too many mothers who get child support NEVER use that money on their children. It usually goes to drugs, booze, gambling habits, or stuff for themselves. You think I'm, wrong on this point? Check out all those children who come from homes where daddy was kicked out because mama can't keep her panties on. Many of those kids are wearing hand-me-down clothing, and eat at their friends house..why? Because mama could not afford groceries. If the mother wants custody, she should be SOLELY FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE for the care/welfare of the child/ren as far as I'm concerned. Too many father's (and women too) are getting screwed over by vicious, deceiving, conning greedy women who want the men to pay for the "llifestyles". Once money exchanges hands in regards to children, they are NO LONGER children, but commodities. Its becomes no different than trading in the stock market. Many people will not like my comment, but its reality folks, get used to it. The system will only get worse from here on out.

Singlemomof3 · 2014-01-11T15:16:15Z

Shameful

This is what happens when you have a bitter person and when we let the judicial system decide get all involved whats in the best interest of our children and families. Point blank period. Its a shame a disgrace and simply pathetic that they have put a cap on the amount of time and money you spend on your children! Now if this man wasnt doing nothing for his child at all or too little he is a deadbeat but when he goes above and beyond what he is ordered he gets jailtime!!! SMH! Time for us to wake up.

FrustratedStepMom · 2014-01-12T18:35:47Z

and in my case .. the exwife left him for the neighbor.... and the ex-husband has to pay....and again he pay a percentage that is so high he can barely eat ...or live... the laws and amounts are in the dark ages and women do work...and can....it is in the calculation but not enough for the man to live Period!! Why has anyone not seen this. This poor man in this event...does as he is told and he still goes to jail.. something is really wrong with this story... the facts may not be quite accurate or some thing is wrong... good thing attention has been given to this Dad who should be commended indeed!! If the facts are correct then what a mess! Well at least people are now aware of what really happens in the court system... and they wonder why people stay single or don't have children....do you blame them??

comp1demon · 2014-01-11T16:11:13Z

Judge belongs off the bench and in jail herself.

thickmommy · 2014-01-11T16:14:11Z

Can Judge Millard come to philly

My kids deadbeat dad hasnt paid a dime in over 11 years even works under the table so he cant be found to pay.... the Judges in Philadelphia have given him a free pass for almost 12 yrs simply because every time I bring him to child support they let him use tge same excuse... he dont have a job.... they offered him a program to find a job n he refuses n they accept that. Theres not even an order in affect n tbey wont put one in affect untill he has a job... i would have to hire a private investigator to find where he wotks n provide info to the court in order for them to make him pay.... in the long run 3 little boys turn into 3 men with lots of questions that their father will have to answer. Yes we struggle.... hard!! But i CANT MAKE HIM CARE OR HELP... so i do what I have to do to take care of them untill they can take care of themselves. To this babys mama... i just gotta say.... BITCH ARE U CRAZY?!???!!!! You should be pimp smacked for putting this DAD in jail. Being bitter gets u no where... n u need to explain to ur son where his Daddy is... Jerk off

JoeHuff · 2014-01-11T16:27:47Z

Complete BS

This judge is nothing short of being a complete moron and a real POS. Lisa Millard, your nothing but a complete douchebag. If this man was not paying the child support or seeing the kid, you'd probably do nothing at all. Talk about a whackjob.

moyer · 2014-01-11T16:59:41Z

The judge and ex~wife need some sence beat into them. Dam most men you can't get to pay child support much less spend time with the kids. I would give anything for my kids to have a father like that.

luvinlyfe2014 · 2014-01-11T17:05:47Z

Outraged and Enraged!

The judge should be investigated punished and disrobed. Obviously she is not impartial and i would venture to say either racist or sexiest. How can any parent give to much or spend to much time with their child. We see countless cases of young men being raised without their father or any father figure and it's effect. Was she angered by the man taking responsibility as he should or the Black man taking responsibility? What can we the people do to help this man and others who child's mother is allowed to use the system and their children as a weapon. these ignorant women who are so vindictive they don't see and/or don't care that they are really hurting the kids they claim to love.

Dalts1985 · 2014-01-11T17:49:36Z

There's always too sides to every story: here's the other side! [Link]

HearMeRoar · 2014-01-12T11:02:26Z

There's acutally 3 sides to every story. His side, her side and the TRUTH. The TRUTH of the matter is this judge is obviously a moron!! Not to mention, in my opinion I think she is racist, and from a few of the other links I've read about her, she is prejudice towards same sex couples (trying to be politically correct, it is not my intention to offend anyone.)

This woman, actually put a Good Black Father in jail for, as you obviously believe, PAYING his child support late. Once he realized he was behind, he paid $3000. So the point of putting him in jail was what? I'm not understanding that. What I do understand is there is one less productive BLACK man providing for his child. Don't be fooled and think that in this day and age we are all considered equal. There is still prejudice in the world, particularly right here in America and this judge was doing her part to put another black man behind bars.

syrs842 · 2014-01-11T17:52:45Z

Men get the short end of the stick

Men get the short end of the stick all the time. I know by me writing that, there will be alot of women screaming out there. Before you write me nasty replies, listen why I say that. Although I know there are many dead beat dads out there I know there are many many dads that vaery good care of their children and get screwed over by their ex-wives or girlfriends. I spent many years going to court with my step son and witnessed this first hand. Men just don't have any rights unless women are found nfit to take care of their children. This poor guy does the right thing and look what happened to him, she screwed him anyway, who suffers, the poor child. God Bless this man and his child.

FrustratedStepMom · 2014-01-12T18:45:17Z

THANK YOU ...some one finally agrees with me. Yes the man does get the short end of the stick. I've written many comments about this whole situation and the court system and the percentage father are to pay to the woman is to high. I heard my stepson say she redecorated the house they lived in 8 times while we ate oodles of noodles 3 time a day.. I was support the father and am proud to say he is worth it... some ex wifes are horrible and even today....they dare to lie to their children ...about their fathers...after 18 years the children - young adults finally know the truth of why daddy does not live her anymore! I am one angry disgusted step mom and want to share my story to those people who have suffered and starved for the sake of his children. Yes the bottom line is the children so we starved for 18 years and since then I have survived it but the rules need to change!!! I really wanted to start an organization for these men... if I have time I may figure out how to make it happen.

ByteMe · 2014-01-11T19:17:29Z

The just in:

Judge Lisa Millards hpuse has burned to the ground.

atari2u · 2014-01-11T19:21:11Z

when judges become tyrants

This woman clearly has bad judgement.
Who judges the judge?
Tyrants like these should be recalled from office.

danbo · 2014-01-11T19:23:38Z

SNOPES

[Link]

avatarwayne · 2014-01-11T19:29:56Z

corrupt judges

Are throughout the U.S.S.A.'s criminal injustice system. they have set themselves above everyone and treat us all as cattle. It is way past the time to stand up to the injustice in this cuntry. for anyone who wishes to look into taking action against these criminals, here are a couple of links for you! www.caught.net and www.justice-denied.net Also, Ron Branson runs a website called www.jail4judges.org

julie79 · 2014-01-11T19:36:19Z

Many family courts are corrupt

That's sad and so injustice. I pray that this gentleman ruling gets overturned. Many family courts are not helping and your considered just another statistic. Leaves people without the ability for proper representation due to all the expenses for caring for ones child/children. I deal with injustice also and I am the permanent sole custodial parent. Here I have never been able to get support and the courts don't enforce the current support. There is an arrears of $34,000 they just retroactively took off $4,000 off because the non custodial parent choose to commit a crime ending up in prison. Which the law statue MCL 552.603 states child support is not suppose to go retroactive. The non custodial parent already got 8 years of not having to paying support due to be in prison that time also. Children are now teens with an arrears this high just from all the years that past from his last prison term. In Michigan child support obligation ends when the non custodial parent goes to prison. Congratulations in Michigan you get rewarded for committing a crime by going to prison and child support stopping. Michigan friend of the Court also dropped a bench warrant (for contempt for failure to pay child support for the child support) when the law enforcement notified them that they had the non custodial parent in jail. What was the purpose of them issuing a bench warrant if they weren't going to enforce it? This is how the courts work they always punish the ones that do something for their kids but never doing anything but a slap on the hand for the ones that don't even do anything.

Reba · 2014-01-11T19:40:30Z

This is Crazy!

I do not see how this judge is still on the bench. A man is trying to do his best for his son, sending the money he needs for things and visiting with him so he has a strong father in his life and he gets sent to jail???? What has gone wrong with our nation that this could occur>

ksparkman77 · 2014-01-11T19:45:40Z

This is BS

This man deserves a metal in my eyes! Most fathers don't even want to see their kids or pay child support. And here this man over pays and over sees his child and gets jail time! That is beyond messed up! What is this world coming too! This is so unjust he should be able to get this conviction over turned! Somebody needs to stand up for this man! He is being treated like a criminal when in fact he is a devoted loving father who wants all the best for his son! May God be with you Mr. Hall you and your son will be in our prayers

Scottmarg · 2014-01-11T19:48:33Z

WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE???

I think it is a very sad day that a father who has been and I am Saying BEEN paying his child support and even visiting his son. Then the court does this too him cause he over paid and had too many visits with his son. Ok,WHERE IS THE PAPERS HE WAS SUPPOSED TO OF GOTTEN FROM THE COURTS? Cause if he had the modified child support and how many times he can visit his son... He wouldn't be serving unjustified sentence for something that is just showing other fathers that they should just be careful and make sure you don't the same cause you will land in jail and never see your child..
I BELIEVE THIS MAN'S EX-WIFE GOTTEN A LETTER FROM THE COURT AND IT STATED THAT SHE WILL NOT BE GETTING ANYMORE CHILD SUPPORT CAUSE SHE WAS OVERPAID. AND SO WHAT DOES SHE DO TAKE HIM TO COURT FOR SEEING HIS CHILD TOO MANY TIMES... I DISLIKE SPITEFUL WOMAN LIKE THIS..
I hope and pray this man has an attorney to fight this verdict from of all things a female judge who sentenced this poor man for nothing but being a wonderful,caring and loving father..
NOW ABOUT THIS HIM BEING ORDERED TO PAY HER ATTORNEY FEES...... NO she should use the over paid child support of her attorney fees and another thing she should be paying back the overpaid child support.. heck if it was anyone else they would be paying it back.
I pray for this man and his son. This is sitting a bad example for other father's who pay child support

FrustratedStepMom · 2014-01-12T18:55:38Z

they seem to believe the MOM ....mother...The courts seem to want to have the best interest for the children but the exwife know how to play the game. Her lawyer know the game too. Most court rooms are just another show...who puts on the better show...there is no right or wrong... very scary what our court rooms have come to. but it's not always the judges I realize he has the last say but I blame the exwife and the lawyers. and the so called Mom is the liar!!!! fees... again the father get screwed....she and the lawyer know the game and play it well! Shame on those mothers who call themselves mother --- they have no idea what is a realy mother is ! I call you LIAR!

ErinV · 2014-01-13T11:48:36Z

I agree, mom freaked out because he overpaid and she will not be getting a check for some time. She should suck it up and get a job or share custody more so she can go get a job. I am a mother that went through hell with my 10 year long divorce and custody and support. I agree I hope he has a great attorney that can have this judge removed from the bench. I could not find any case law that supports her decision on placing him in jail for over paying support or spending to much time. If he was keeping the child and not bringing him home when he was to return the child then that is different. But the mother must have allowed the father to take the child or she would have either contacted the police or filed a contempt hearing. The way this sounds is that mom let dad spend extra time with his son and when she learned she would not be getting a check for awhile then lets take him to court. Her attorney makes me sick!!! A good attorney would know not to pull these stunts!!! Her attorney if he was a good attorney would have stated she would have no case because he is doing what is expected of him. Her lawyer is now considered a slum attorney that will be doing civil cases from now on. I am so sickened by this case I will be following it. I never thought I would have people right letters or contact the news... But this man needs all the help he can and our clearly broken legal system needs people to let them know we had enough!!! If this judge does not reverse her ruling its time to send these people all the case laws they will need to win their appeal and get this judge removed and then I hope they choose to sue the judge. I hope they know they can do everything I just stated. I wish them all the best and hope this gets resolved quickly for their sons sake!!!

JayMark · 2014-01-11T20:07:11Z

...

I absolutely cannot understand why in the world they would do that. That ''paying more than what you are supposed to'' can get you to jail is beyond absurdity (same for visiting his son ''more than he should have''). Pathocracy at its best.

kguns44dd · 2014-01-11T20:10:50Z

This is total crap!!

This man should be given a medal, he's a role model to dads everywhere. Judicial misconduct at its finest, changing agreements without the dad present.. The judge should be thrown off the bench and punished. I hope he finds a really good lawyer and wipes the floor with her. It's supposed to be agreed upon by BOTH parents. His ex wife is just as guilty as the judge, they're pathetic for doing this..In the end, only the child suffers. He is actually doing his part, and beyond as a parent, and this ass of a judge low balls him like that?

SteveTrubilla · 2014-01-11T20:52:18Z

This can not be allowed to Stand

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." (Edmund Burke)

It is hard to believe this is true, yet I fear it is.

amanda25 · 2014-01-11T22:20:23Z

Misleading - False Facts Everywhere

This story is completely misleading of what really happened in this case. A court agreement specifying child support and visitation terms was modified, resulting in him having to pay more $ each month in child support. He claims he didn't know about this change, so he never increased the amount he was paying each month. So he was actually delinquent in his child support, which is why the mom brought him to court. In order not to go to jail, he paid the $3K he owed AND agreed to pay the mom back $3K for attorney fees. There were several court hearings that occurred and during one of those hearings he walked out in the middle. The judge also didn't really seem to buy that he wasn't aware of the increased amount he was supposed to be paying, so based on that and on the fact that he walked out, the judge determined that he was still in contempt and ordered the jail time. So regardless of whether someone believes the judge should have ordered the contempt charge, he never overpaid child support (he only ever paid what he actually owed) and he definitely wasn't sentenced to jail for "overpayment of child support."

Roth · 2014-01-12T00:03:24Z

Even if this is true, and it probably is, it still doesn't justify a jail sentence of 6 months, considering it will make things much worse for this family when the father can't see his son and can't pay child support at all because he's locked up.

As many have already stated there are sooooo many fathers who haven't paid a cent in years and they walk free while this man, at the very least, paid something..

Mirajia · 2014-01-12T01:37:28Z

That's exactly what I'm saying Amanda. He wasn't overpaying anything he just got caught up, and I believe he was notified. They have to send you a letter.

lugnut · 2014-01-12T14:19:10Z

And how does the court know, or assumed he was notified? The court nor the judge knew. If you want to make sure people are notified, there is such a thing as CERTIFIED MAIL, where you get a returned receipt as proof, with the receiver's signature on it. Did they have that? If not, you don't know, the court is not about assumptions, but proof.

FrustratedStepMom · 2014-01-12T19:03:45Z

are you really sure ? even so the percentage men have to pay to their ex-wives is still too high! As I stated in other comments I dealt with the state of OHIO but I believe the calculation or percentage is in the dark ages!
I had a feeling this story may not be quite right but the facts are ...the man still gets screwed regardless. Regardless of who is responsible for the child support...it could go the other way... father gets the kids and woman pays the support...the calculations and percentage need to be looked into and changed. In the state of Ohio the man or father could not live or eat when paying for child support.! This is my outrage.

LizzieBorden · 2014-01-11T22:34:02Z

amanda25

So what you are saying Amanda25 that the story is completely fabricated, False. There is no truth to it. So who came up with the article then?? Just asking.

godave87 · 2014-01-11T22:57:42Z

This guy needs support..

Send your complaints here [Link]

Let Texas know that Lisa Millard's judgement is ridiculous.

Observant · 2014-01-11T23:21:46Z

Insane

And yet the reactionary western feminists will tell you with a straight face that misandry does not exist and could never manifest itself in the so called “justice system.” Is this not further proof that the “justice system” in this country is absolutely unjust and easily used as a tool of oppression and downright cruelty? Every day, people are processed into this system to have their lives destroyed while we are propagandized with the notion that this system represents some kind of foundation of morality. Like the comment after the article said, try psychopathic “morality”

Miss Ann · 2014-01-12T00:02:53Z

True Justice

True Justice would be to sentence the Judge to 180 days.

BonnieL · 2014-01-12T00:59:01Z

This HAS to be a joke...

IF he overpaid, why isn't the mother in jail for cashing and accepting the payments?
Also, in my opinion, no parent can spend too much time with their child.
IF this is true...
Shame on the mom.
and more than that, Shame on the Judge!

Mirajia · 2014-01-12T01:32:41Z

He couldn't possibly have overpaid. If he owed 3K and paid 3K he just caught up the payments, that's why she's not in jail. Because he didn't overpay. I think the whole story isn't being told or he's playing the victim. The story is just not adding up to me. It doesn't make sense.

FrustratedStepMom · 2014-01-12T19:10:37Z

oh yes ... this happened to me....she was overpaid and said nothing to child support about the overpayment. She would only cry to child support when she did not see her $$ on time to pay her mortgage and then call me and harass me to where is my child support payment.. I cld child support and they told me they were in a new computer system change and that payments would be late so she told me .. she will just have to wait -- Too bad! Love that woman in Ohio! oh don't get me started on ex-wives...uhhhh...I am a female and support the good fathers that pay! they do care ! Mine was working 7 days a week 15 hours a day to live!! I I supported him and am proud to say he always said for his boys! anything for his boys! If they only knew the hell she put us though and the sacrifices we made and I am just the stepmom. - in another state.

Mirajia · 2014-01-12T01:28:55Z

Story Doesn't Add Up

It CLEARLY says in the article he had to pay 3K in BACK child support. Watch the video. Whether the paperwork was modified without him knowing or not, the fact that it was modified (and I personally think somebody told him, but who knows) to a different amount and he OWED money, YES that is legal ground to be put it jail. Now whether his ex-wife was being sneaky and didn't tell him or what (not her responsibility btw) I still believe he would have known. Don't they send you letters or call you or call your job or something? He knew. There was nothing unfair about that. It just seems unfair because these websites keep saying he was paying to much, when IN THE NEWS CLIP it clearly says he paid that 3K in BACK child support. He ALREADY owed that money. In order for him to OWE 3K for ONE little boy he had to ALREADY BE missing payments. UNLESS his payments were 1200 every 2 weeks. Or 3K for one month. He was ALREADY in the hole and NOT because he ain't know what the payments were because they mail you a letter and notify your employer (Verified it online). So HE knew, he just wasn't paying it, got caught up and now he feel some type of way cause he's suffering the consequences. Not only that but I hear men all the time griping about how they got a letter saying they gotta pay this amount and that amount in child support. "I didn't know." Is not a good enough excuse for not knowing in this case, they judge is gonna say, and PROBABLY did say, you were notified, we HAVE to notify you. He knew what it was. He got a letter. He was notified. Might as well take them 180 days like a man. Not opening the letter is not an excuse, not answering the call is not an excuse. So if he didn't read the letter or answer the call it's still his fault because he SHOULD have. He did not overpay. You can't overpay -3000 with 3000..it's just catching you up.
Or maybe he just wasn't paying enough. Either way, I'd bet money he was notified of the modified payment by a court system of some kind via snail mail. The ONLY way this story would make sense is if they could look it up in the system somewhere VERIFYING that nobody from the courts contacted him. I doubt that'll happen though because where I'm from, the letters and updates are automatic. So I still think he was notified.

Joe · 2014-01-12T05:33:31Z

If the conditions of child support payments are increased without notifying the payer of child support, and if, as you say, that is legal ground to be put in jail, in the sense that there actually IS a law or precedent where, no matter the circumstances, even if a person is obviously in NO WAY to blame for not paying child support AND has always shown a willingness to pay, then that is CLEARLY an unjust law and should be quickly corrected.

Mirajia · 2014-01-12T11:08:16Z

Go back and read Joe. He had to have been notified, the send you the paperwork automatically, and they have court hearings for them..the sheriffs give you those papers. Common sense.

dude · 2014-01-12T02:13:47Z

two

There's two sides to every story. This is bullshit.

Scott · 2014-01-12T05:17:45Z

Well...

Even with the added details, it seems to me he still got screwed. If he was unaware, and if the wife and/or her attorney were screwing him over and then he's held in contempt, well... I'd pay up and then walk out of the courtroom, too!

a24ktlady · 2014-01-12T07:22:48Z

Harris County "Family" Courts

This is very typical crazy behavior for Harris County "Family" judges.... Judge Bonnie Helums that was in the 243rd Dist Court, not only does stuff like this, but plays favorites to her friend attorneys that she allows to do whatever they want in the court orders...including not ever speaking to the other parent, to do ANY fact finding whatsoever! As long as you as a buddy of hers... She not only shows favortism to the friends, but to the female attorneys especially.
I personally have been a victim of this horrid Harris County system, that the only ones that profit is the attorneys...not the children. Corruption is an understatement for that entire building.

Faye · 2014-01-12T08:51:39Z

Father Sentenced

U N B E L I E V A B L E !!!

John0426 · 2014-01-12T10:13:25Z

Story is false!

This story is very biased and leads the reader to incorrectly believe that Mr Hall was jailed because he paid too much child support. That IS NOT the case. The child support agreement was modified to increase the child support. Mr Hall contends that he did not know about the increase, yet both he and his employer were notified via certified mail. He continued to pay the previously agreed upon amount, ignoring the increase... UNTIL he was threatened with jail time for not paying the new amount. He made a lump sum payment to the court at the last minute to attempt to avoid jail time, but the judge found him in contempt of court for basically waiting until the very last second to pay. He did not overpay, he paid exactly what the new agreement ordered and he did it at the very last second in an attempt to be defiant. He disagreed with the increase in child support and thought he would be cute by waiting to the last minute to pay the increase. The judge did not think it was cute at all and jailed him for contempt.

The reason mainstream media has not aired this is because the guy is nothing more than a publicity seeker who manipulated the facts of the story to try and get his 15 minutes of fame. The interviews that he did do were not substantiated by any proof or evidence, and he comes across as smug and defiant. The Fox affiliate that originally ran the story, ran a retraction/update with the full story just 2 days later.

Scott · 2014-01-12T11:12:46Z

Where did you get this information? I can't find any update or retraction on the Fox site.

Mariama · 2014-01-12T12:30:26Z

Do you work for this court or the so-called opposition, John0426? At the very least you seem to identify with the judge.

IMO the father doesn't come across as smug and defiant at all, which leads me to conclude that your post is biased. Also, saying that the father thought he would be cute by waiting is not an objective statement.
You wrote a post about your side of the story, but where is your proof or evidence?

lugnut · 2014-01-12T14:49:27Z

"The judge found him in contempt for waiting until the LAST MINUTE in an attempt to avoid jail time". If it was the last minute, he did it within the time frame given him. You ever paid a bill at the LAST MINUTE before you got late fees? When you pay that bill in the LAST MINUTE, you don't get late fees. This is more about his ex wife's lawyer making a buck. And i didn't hear anything about certified mail. If they had a return copy of that certified mail, whose signature is on it? If his name isn't on it, than they can't prove he got it.

lugnut · 2014-01-12T14:59:05Z

A lot of conjecture on your part and the judge to assume, "he thought it would be cute to wait until the last minute, second, in an attempt to be defiant, he and his employers were notified". Tell me if that were true, "his employers was notified, why didn't the employer take the new amount due to the changes out of his check?

FrustratedStepMom · 2014-01-12T19:14:42Z

Maybe ... and I do know that the media loves a story however.... men are still getting screwed when it comes to child support period! I have made many comments and the percentage or calculation need to be looked at again. The numbers are calculated as if we live in the dark ages. when -- woman stayed home and took care of the children....women can work now!

Mariama · 2014-01-12T12:13:52Z

I agree with some comments: even though it was a question of some back-payments the sentencing is still ludicrous. Six months in jail, for what exactly? For being held in contempt? I think we should hold this judge in contempt. These family judges can do as they please. The power that they hold over families is enormous. I have heard so many sad stories from parents, psychologists and solicitors which make your hair turn grey in an instant.
Who knows, maybe this judge receives a nice bonus for her sentencing, just like that family judge who sent down I don't know how many kids to institutions, for which he was paid a handsome sum.

I think the presence of these family courts are a sign that the police has always existed for some families, only now more and more families are being caught in their traps.

Tressie828 · 2014-01-12T13:59:16Z

Ex-Wife should be in Jail

The ex-wife is the one who made the changes to the agreement not the ex husband. She knew she was taking the money without it being due and allowing her son to see his father too much. She is the one who should be pulling the time not the husband. He did nothing wrong. He wasn't notified by the ex wife nor the courts that the terms had changed. Why punish him? Now he is gonna be behind in child support payments again when he gets out of jail plus the time lost from spending time with his son. Here is a man that is taking responsibility for his child & the courts punish him. It also cost the taxpayers money to house him for 6 months. This is sooooo wrong!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

lugnut · 2014-01-12T15:17:16Z

And it is a great possibility he may lose his job. I don't know of any employer who would keep you employed for 6 months when you are not here. But of course his ex and lawyer will surely drag him back to court even while he's looking for another job after he gets out. I tell you, it's the ex's lawyer making a buck and probably manipulating the ex wife. See. this lawyer know he will get his money, because unlike dead beat dads, this one has a job and has been more than willing to pay support. That's a bank for the lawyer.

lugnut · 2014-01-12T14:39:31Z

Did the court have proof

He told the court he wasn't notified of the changes in the agreement. The court couldn't prove he got notified. If they can't prove he was notified, then how can there be a ruling, why would it go to court in the first place? When he came to court, he was paid up, because as soon as he found out that the agreement had changed, he paid up. If the court, or his ex wife wanted him notified and retain proof he was, you know there is such a thing as CERTIFIED MAIL, where you get a returned receipt verifying with HIS signature he got it. This is more about the ex's lawyer making a buck, her being easily manipulated and naive. She just got screwed out of at least 6 months of child support and even more, because he will more than likely lose his job, effectively making it longer than 6 months and denying her child to see his father. The lawyer and the judge should be disbarred.

lugnut · 2014-01-12T15:11:01Z

Mr Hall was not a dead beat.

And it was obvious he wasn't. So his history of paying, lends more creditability that he WASN'T notified of the changes. There was nothing in his history of paying support, that suggest he ever had a problem with paying. But he according to the judge, waited until the last minute to pay as a form of being defiant? No, it sounds like the judge brought her own anger either from her own personal experience and labeled Mr. Hall with that broad brush. Six months because he waited until the last minute? Even if he had been notified, paying at the last minute, wouldn't be a violation for obvious reason. it would be the LAST MINUTE and that implies, it was paid within a set time frame.

lugnut · 2014-01-12T15:32:53Z

The ex wife's lawyer is the problem

He didn't notify Mr Hall. How do i know he didn't, because IF Mr. Hall had been notified, so would his Employer because they ALREADY have papers they are bound to enforce from the first agreement. All needed was an update and it would be their responsibility as dictated by the court to take it out of Mr. Hall's check. This lawyer is aware Mr Hall has a job and is not a dead beat dad, so unlike dead beats and has demonstrated he has no problem paying up. So the ex's lawyer sees bank in Mr. Hall. Something he wouldn't have with a dead beat. So he manipulates the ex to bring, or drag Mr. Hall to court of flimsy mess like this. It doesn't matter to him, he gets paid either way and so does the court. But who doesn't get paid at least for 6 months, the ex and the child. And they probably want get paid for a longer period than that, because Mr. Hall more likely want have a job when he gets out. Unless you think employers will keep him on the payroll for 6 month without him being there.

lharper80 · 2014-01-12T18:33:53Z

Blame the court system

All the wrong people are being penalized in this case (the father AND the child). The only person that should be sitting behind bars is the mother for accepting the overpayments and allowing the extra visits. If the father was unaware of the modifications of the custody agreement, I gaurentee the mother knew all about it. Therefore how come charges are not being brought against the true criminal in this story. This man was simply doing what "society" has said for years fathers should be doing. How dare our court system then throw a person in jail for this!! How dare the Ex-wife pursue this case and allow this MAN to go to jail for providing and loving her child. I have 3 children with diffrent fathers, out of those 3 men 1 of them actuall takes care of his child. What i wouldnt have gived to have had children with a man that is as honorable as this man. There should be charges brought against the mother!! they got the wrong person behind bars tonight!

FrustratedStepMom · 2014-01-12T19:16:38Z

blame the ex wife!

exactly

travistarrant46 · 2014-01-12T19:22:20Z

ONLY IN AMERICA!!!

SO, A FATHER IS BEING PUNISHED FOR TRYING TO BE REALLY GOOD FATHER?!?!?! ONLY IN AMERICA!!!!

Southern Mom · 2014-01-12T20:12:35Z

What about this precious child!

This is an extremely selfish Mother that is doing everything she can to hurt this Father when the person she is really hurting is this innocent child. Also, in 2 years this child should be old enough to say who he wants to live with and hopefully it will be his Father. I have seen divorced parents before and how their children would hurt because of their parents actions and how some women would treat the men. When my children's Father and I divorced, we loved our children enough to put them and their needs first. The child support was set and so were the visitations. He always paid on time and always made sure that the children had everything they needed even if it meant that he had to pay out extra money. He could get the children anytime that he wanted to regardless of what that piece of paper said, after all they were his children too, just as he was their Dad. We would take turns claiming the children on tax returns as I felt that he deserved that, 2 of our children are grown now and our youngest is in College. He no longer pays child support just puts the money towards helping our child get thru College. Our child earned a scholarship but, it doesn't pay everything so, I pay half of the College fees that are not covered and he claims our child on his taxes which I agree to. For years we have celebrated Thanksgiving, Christmas and each Family members birthday together as a Family. We have always discussed big decisions concerning our children together as parents and respected each others decision. Our child in College plays College Sports, we go to all of these games together as we know how important it is for our Child to see both of his parents at all of his games supporting him, not to mention how much we enjoy watching him do what he loves best. Our children have grown up to be successful and caring adults and they love each other so very much and are always letting each other know that. We are very proud of them. We chose to do what was right for our children. Divorced parents need to remember something very important, these children didn't ask to come into this world, just because the parents couldn't get along doesn't mean that the children should be punished. These children need to be raised with love, if you have to put your pride on the back burner to make this happen then that is what you should do. They should always come first! I do have to say, they have the Best Father ever!

louisblair2014 · 2014-01-12T22:02:30Z

this man needs to be set free

We need to speak up for this innocent man I don't see how this judge could get away with this here you have a man doing the right thing by taking care of his child which now a days you don't get many fathers that will step up and do the right thing and take care of there children he does more than take care of his child by making his child support payments he actually pays three thousand more than he is required by law to pay he also spends time with his son so his son knows who his father is such is something else you don't see often anymore most kids out there today don't know who there fathers are and this man gets sentenced six months in jail for it that's not right we need to post this story on any media or social network we have access to and let's try to free this man we being the people of the united states have rights and this mans rights have obviously been violated by our justice system none the less we need to stand up for this man as well as ourselves

lesbennett61 · 2014-01-13T00:51:26Z

should a father and son suffer

The judge obviously needs to step down and resign because she is making the court system look really ridiculous. The whole matter is totally bogus and should be thrown out of court. Mr. Hall was not informed about any changes in the terms of the agreement and if he overpaid, refund him the money. Mr. Hall is obviously trying to do right by his son and his ex wife is just being a selfish, hateful, vindictive, bitch(excuse me, just saying) with nothing better to do then waste everyone's time and money. She should also pay her own lawyer fees because she is the one creating this whole entire mess that makes no sense at all. Someone with a greater authority needs to stand up and correct this wrongful sentence and make it right. The only one that suffers is their son. The ex wife obviously doesn't care about anyone but herself and being destructive towards what's left of the family circle between father and son.

lesbennett61 · 2014-01-13T00:56:52Z

Her son will remember this act of bitterness, and she will pay in the end.

ErinV · 2014-01-13T11:34:01Z

Judge should be removed from bench!

It made me sick to read this article. I went though an ugly divorce, custody and support for over 10 years! I would love to know what case law this judge referanced to make this decision?? I do not believe there is ANY!. I am so outraged on this I can't even think straight. For once you read about a father/ real DAD that cares enough about his son to pay support and spend as much time with his child as he can. First the mother must have allowed the father to spend the time with his son or she would have contacted the police and state the father has taken him or something. I looked and could NOT find ANY case law that states a father could not over pay support, even if he was just getting caught up on back support. I can not wrap my head around a judge that would do such a thing!!! Does this judge have issues with men?? NOT have a brain??? I would love to ask her a few question on why. This judge is now the target of the most stupid judges in the world let along people just being outraged. So many woman now play games when it comes to custody and support. I might be a mother but I also see women playing games with men because they know the courts lean towards keeping the children with the mothers and many know their kids are their meal tickets. I see so many women spending money on clothes for themselves, their nails, cell phones going out partying with their friends, some use the money on drugs... and the fathers look bad. In these cases when the father is doing the right thing why would anyone want to put them in jail to loose a good job and be unable to pay support in the future?? What is the game plan here??? There are so many dead beat dads out there I just can't believe this is happening to a man that is truly a father and doing the right thing. I hope this father has a great attorney and they make this front page news. I also hope they sue this judge and have her removed from the bench. To this father just keep up doing the right thing and your child will love you for it and you will be close. If the mother is going along with the judge on this she better be prepared for the fall out when the child is older!! It will happen!!! The child will learn to not like his mother, hold this against her.... If she cares about her son she better step up and do the right thing!!!!

Fozziebear · 2014-01-13T14:34:24Z

It goes both ways...

I think the judge overstepped her bounds with this one. But I think that people who assume it only affects the father need to come into the 21st century. If everything he states is true, this man got a raw deal for taking care of his son. In this instance, the ex wife played him, but he also should have gotten mail from the court.

For anyone to state that the father should not have to pay his due or have it reduced, they are crazy. A judge takes into account ALL costs in raising a child. A good judge will not over burden a parent to pay so much child support that they cannot survive. It is up to the parent to remember what bills they have and to live within their budget. They know what their child support is and when they choose to get married, the other person needs to realize that it is a bill that will get paid off when the child is out of school. If the tables were turned, I am sure that the custodial parent would fight for the same support that they are paying out now.

I went thru a divorce years ago when my son was 2. My ex REFUSED to pay $12.50 a week (yes a week), total FIFTY Dollars a month... When I remarried, my husband wanted to adopt. We took my ex to court and his excuse for not paying child support was that my current husband provided for him just fine.... Well, we asked for him to give up custody and he refused. He kept telling the judge that it was HIS son... Convenient... His son for the name but not for paying support. And the judge said that...

My daughter's ex told the judge the same thing. The difference was that instead of a spouse providing, Grandma was... The judge stated that GRANDMA did not make the baby and although I provide for them, it is not my place. It is the parent's responsibility to provide for their child.

In both instances, it required several visits in court. For my son, his dad was deemed unfit and his rights were terminated. The state had a clause that said if you fail to pay your support for 6 mos, you have abandoned your child. That worked in my favor. After 5 years in court, his rights were terminated and my husband adopted him... For my daughter, that rule is not available where we currently live. But after a few stints in jail and the loss of his license for failure to pay, his wages are garnished and he keeps his payments on track. Although he rarely calls or visits my grandson. His mom keeps the lines open so that my grandson does not have a bad view of his dad. And my daughter has her own life.

I NEVER received child support and watching my daughter go thru her struggles, I must state to those who have made statements on here that a mother can work.... Yes, they can, but usually it is the MOM who takes off when the child is sick, goes to all the school recitals, sports practices and doctors appts. When mom does work, mom must pay for a sitter... Guess what, that fee gets factored into the father's child support and his support gets raised. Same goes for summer camp, dentist bills, etc...

I have seen a few women who have shirked their duties as a mom and have been ordered to pay child support and refuse to do that too... So as stated, it goes both ways...

And if you are a step -parent, you need to learn that your spouse had other responsibilities before you married. Quit complaining. Reduce your what you are spending. Those kids and yours come before your needs... When they are grown and out of the house, then you can spend your money the way you always dreamed...

Just a little info...

browneyedgurl · 2014-01-13T16:16:36Z

Blown Away!

When I read this story I have to say I couldn't believe what I was seeing! I myself am a single mother and I don't get a dime in support because my ex husband is incarcerated and has been since 2010. I have never heard of a lawthat prohibits the non custodial parent from extra visitation.. I would be tickled to death if my kids father asked to see our kids more often , being he was a good father and responsible.. For extra visitation to be possible, wouldn't both parents have to be in agreement on it? The answer to that is YES! So if he's in contempt then so is she! Something really suspicious is going on here without a doubt.. Just say he was behind on support, the mother could plead to the judge that he not be jailed. I've seen many times where the judge would grant that request due to many different circumstances... If it were me, I would get on my knees and beg for my children's father not be jailed if he was a good father to my children... My kids don't deserve to be punished and that's exactly what it would be! Punishment to the kids. This woman's deceitful act will come back to haunt her eventually and it will be well deserved! Karma Baby!!!!!!!!

Happyinlove2013! · 2014-01-15T13:16:40Z

I agree with you totally I mean how is he going to pay anything now if hes not working and bringing in income? common sense does not apply to this woman at all she wants to whine about him being behind her doing this only makes him fall more behind in this case she is being a money hungry selfish itch

2009 frustration · 2014-01-13T18:33:13Z

law is confused

The wife and her lawyer is a sad and horrible display of being an adult... i can understand the frustration anx disappointment from the courts...i too was railroaded into a $816.00 permonth child support in NC for my daughter was based upon a previous income of $41k and did not reflect a pay cut and no OT of present..the judge did not want to hear my pleases...told me i need to take care of my kid ...i eeven provided reciepts to show bi-weekly deposits that i could afford. Into the mothers account..i was upset and ended up in jail for voicing my frustration and a misdemeanor record...i had to get a lawyer to voice my cocefns to have it lowered to $565 per month...and my bottom line is $35k pdr year...judges and DSS do.t care... just be good to the kid in the end...nothing good will come out of their willingness to punish someone...i also pay for my daughters insurance as well...cant get a modification to save my life

RetiredDRlawyer · 2014-01-15T09:47:01Z

The rest of the story?

It is theoretically possible that Mr. Hall didn't have notice of the increase in child support - but unfortunately, that's likely to have been his own fault. Child support orders require both parents to notify the court of any changes in their residence/mailing addresses. If he moved & didn't tell the court, oh well. As far as certified mail is concerned, a lot of people with what we may generously term "legal issues" do not go to the post office to pick up that mail b/c they know darn well it's not going to be good news & if they sign for it, that will prove that they did in fact receive the notice they later tell the court (or whomever) they never got.

In general, child support laws call for a jail sentence if the payor is in arrears by $5,000 or 90 days. The article doesn't indicate what the monthly support payment was, so it's hard to say how far behind Mr. Hall had fallen by the time he got to court on this petition. Several posters have apparently researched this case, & it appears that his ex had to drag him to court several times for failure to pay, which may explain why the money was coming out of his paycheck automatically. Then again, it may be that he simply gave his employer a copy of the original support order & asked the employer to deduct that amount from his paycheck, & did nothing about past arrears or the most recent increase. I had numerous cases where the payor got behind & we'd take him (I say "him" although it was sometimes her) to court for the arrears, & the payor would come up with a chunk of the arrears & the judge would let him walk. And 6 months or a year later, we'd be back in court when the payor fell behind AGAIN, & the same thing would happen. Each time, a jail sentence SHOULD have been imposed, but b/c the payor paid at least something, the judge took the "well, if he's not working, she won't get anything" approach & let him walk AGAIN. And b/c attorneys have their own bills to pay, a significant chunk of the back support went to pay attorney's fees. So it appears that Mr. Hall may have been playing this system for several years & the judge finally got fed up with him. But the business about "too much visitation" makes no sense at all. There's simply no such thing. I'm wondering if Mr. Hall was spending additional time with his son & then, when the ex took him to court for the support arrears, he tried to argue that, based on the amount of "custodial time" he'd been spending with the boy, his support should be reduced retroactively to account for that. Of course, there are also judges who are complete jerks, who ignore the law & hand out punitive sentences for no valid legal reason. If that's the situation here, I'm sure Mr. Hall's attorney will be able to get him out of jail pending his appeal. Meanwhile, without reading the entire court record, all of these posts are pure speculation.

Happyinlove2013! · 2014-01-15T13:12:43Z

My personal opinion

This is total Bull Crap...
How can this woman call herself a mother? most women would be happy that the father not only pays extra child support but proves he wants to be I his sons life by visiting as often as possible, but apparently not this woman apparently she is selfish and heartless and holds resentment because dude don't want her.
People weren't yesterday this is a cry of "I want him back and if I cant have him no one can and that includes our son" what a low down thing to do and even if she don't want him HELLO WOMAN YOUR SON NEEDS HIS FATHER!! yes I hope you read this you cold hearted sorry excuse for a woman, hurting your son for your own personal gain...you don't have to have a relationship with the father as in your with him but you do however have to have a relationship with the father because of the child you decided to have TOGETHER.. quit thinking about yourself cause that s what your doing, your all butt hurt for whatever reason and you are being ignorant and stupid and not thinking of your son.
I am pissed at you for being this stupid...like I said most woman would give anything to have a man like the one your having put in jail....most women with half a brain or even a heart would shut up and take the money and be even more grateful that daddy is there more then told by the judge so that hey maybe you can have a girls day or alone time something...god your ungrateful and you make me sick.

Webby59 · 2014-01-18T10:18:38Z

The Real Story

New law in Texas sends dad to jail despite up-to-date child support payments

Shocking headlines sent Clifford Hall’s story viral: a father sentenced to six months in jail even after catching up on child support payments.

But Raw Story has learned that a new law may be to blame, and it was the Texas legislature that wanted a case like this to end up with jail time for a dad everyone says is very involved in his child’s life.

Hall, a Houston-area resident, paid nearly $3000 in child support arrearages ahead of a November court date, his attorney Tyesha Elam told Raw Story. The arrearage built up after the court raised his support requirement without notifying his employer, leading to erratic deductions from his paycheck, she said. Opposing counsel demanded a $3500 payment of court fees and attorney’s fees, which she advised him not to pay as excessive, she said. After a contentious court hearing in which Hall nervously walked out of the room twice, he was sentenced to six months for contempt, for missing the payments he had just covered.

The original story by Houston’s Fox affiliate pushes buttons for people concerned about the abuses of the court system. The outrage over a family court story (where the truth is often obscured by competing interests) buried what might be a more important element of the story.

Clifford Hall’s jail sentence is the result of a deliberate act of the Texas legislature, designed to keep deadbeat dads from gaming the system.

That’s not to call Hall a deadbeat dad — far from it. All concerned say that he has been as involved as he could be in the life of his 11-year-old son, given the strained relationship he has with his child’s mother Donna Lane. Hall’s spokesman, Quanell X, a Houston community activist, noted that Hall split from Lane while she was seven months pregnant, so he could marry another woman. The split left the two embittered, he said.

“We have tried mediation numerous times,” Lane (who identifed herself here as Donna Ferguson) told a Houston-area radio station earlier this week. It hasn’t worked. … He has been involved, and I’ve never had a problem with him being involved. We have never been able to communicate. It’s just that bad.”

A call to Hall has not yet been returned.

But she’s also been in court fighting for child support payments continually since the birth of their son, she said. And Hall has been jailed before for failing to pay child support — hence the wage garnishment.

Since 1995, Texas law prohibited judges from finding someone who owes back child support in contempt for nonpayment if the obligator covered the arrearage before the court hearing. That left custodial parents fighting constantly — and expensively — with payment-evading noncustodial parents who avoided legal consequences by delaying court dates for as long as possible only to get current just before a judge could throw them in jail. It often made the entire process of collection an empty victory, given the out-of-pocket legal costs a petitioner might bear while waiting for the court to award legal fees.

The Texas legislature took a dim view of this situation. In June of 2013, legislators repealed the provision preventing a respondent from being jailed if he or she was paid in full at the time of a hearing, in order to give judges the discretion to punish repeat offenders. The vote in both chambers was unanimous.

Elam says Hall’s jailing is a result of this change. “If Mr. Hall can go to jail, you can go to jail, I can go to jail,” she said. “This is what I’m fighting against.” She added that she is crafting an appeal.

But Hall’s trip to the Harris County Jail in a few days appears to be what the legislature intended.

SickOfTheLies · 2014-02-11T20:18:10Z

Oh the blind ignorance...

It's clearly obvious that this Ashley person is either the mother taking advantage of the situation or someone with ZERO experience with the US court system. Contradicting decisions are made on a regular basis that land 100% INNOCENT people, USUALLY MEN, in janl or prison. And for what? So the taxpayers can have yet another individual to support that we don't even know!
I know for a fact that one parent or another can be, and regularly are, kept in the dark about changes made to their child support or visitation schedule. Usually caused by human error due to an overloaded and HIGHLY FLAWED "Judicial System" if you can even call it that.
It sounds like "Frustrated Stepmom" gets it and is aware of the injustices that occur on a constant basis.

concernedfather · 2014-02-17T09:01:03Z

Ashley816

Thank you for trying to bring light to this. I was extremely angry that this could happen in a court. I know how the media like to hype (i.e. all the reality shows). Unfortunately the court docs. will not open, so I can read it for myself. But thank you for trying. We have too many children suffering for lack of child support (monetarily and emotionally), so I felt it incredulous for this to happen. Thank you, again.

MaxwellBriam · 2014-03-22T06:27:57Z

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dfgvfvcxdx · 2014-05-02T09:49:29Z

I AM SO GRATEFUL.

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dfgvfvcxdx · 2014-05-24T00:45:42Z

I AM SO GRATEFUL.

MY sonia is back to me after a very long time which i an my ex separated since i was alone my life change every thing about me change a friend of mine gave me an email address and told me that this was the email address she contacted when she was in the same problem so i contacted the email i got a reply he ask me to send him my number so i did he was a man call priest grace he caster a spell for me and told me that within THREE day that my ex we be back for good within that three days my ex was back, i and my ex are getting married. next week, you contact him at gracerelatinshipspell@gmail.com once again thank you priest grace a God to me

pinkfreud · 2014-05-24T01:32:34Z

I know this is old but????

I am wondering why there are soooo many sott readers only interested in this article. Maybe I don't understand the internet well enough but holy s*** balls, I have never seen such a response from so many names who have never written again. Is child support just some sort of switch that turns so many people on? This story must be the biggest thing to happen to our world since sliced bread. I am confused.

pinkfreud · 2014-11-09T01:56:24Z

Please don't do that agin.

eyesoftheworld · 2014-11-09T04:25:24Z

So this is an old story

.. humm. Odd that it would pop up again. Anything promoted by FOX-anything is suspect. In fact, if FOX is connected to a story, it's a dead giveaway that it's bogus!

runningcampbell · 2014-11-13T21:24:11Z

This is inaccurate, do the research

I was all ready to be angry about this until I researched it. Look it up this story is not accurate.

[Link]

coach2getfit · 2015-01-20T17:50:48Z

Judge's are given too much power.

The courts have way too much authority anymore. They should never be allowed to say or do whatever they feel like doing that day. Moods and gender play a big part of what happens in a courtroom. Judges never look at the big picture. This only hurt the father and his child by him being jailed over a measly $1000 or $3000. I bet this judge in this courtroom is a racist too. This judge wants to change the world by jailing a father who is good to his kid but was late making some of his payments... at least he paid it. The judge just wants to throw her authority and power around. I think they need another 5 people in the courtroom to discuss another person's fate if they are discussing placing someone in jail. We should boycott idiotic judges.
I know a father who was sued for college support. His child has scholarships that will pay all state colleges off in full. The child though decided to go to an expensive private college. The father has to now pay $65,000 in 4 years and that's his portion of it. He only had to pay $80,000 in child support over the course of 19 years. Making matters worse the father's mother has cancer so he can't work because he has to take care of her. The judge took nothing in consideration even looking at his taxes they see he made no money over the years so he's worse off now than he was in all the years before. They even got tax documents verified through the IRS regarding his income loss. Still made no difference to this judge. The judge says since he never married her mother he's making him pay 50% of his daughter's college tuition. Isn't that being racist? They said they would never make married people be required to pay college tuition. This judge is not even making the daughter to at least go to a state college. What kind of crazy thought process is that? His daughter by the way walks away without paying a dime towards her tuition, housing, transportation or food. Judge says the daughter's scholarships pays for her tuition when in reality she would never have gotten those good grades without her father's compliance of paying child support and making life easier on her. If anything he should at least get 1/3 of her scholarships credited to him. I'm in total shock...I'm a woman and I believe men are definitely being taken advantage of. He can't even afford to pay his heating or electric bills it's hard to care of his elderly mother who is 78 years old right now much less if he's in jail. They have him set up to fail no matter how you look at it so when he ends up in jail and who takes care of his mother? She has nobody else there for her. So sad judges have never ever, ever have been fair about anything. They are power trippers!!!!!! Period!!!! All lawyers are liars too. His daughter refuses to have a relationship with her father since she was 12. All she looks at him for is to pay for everything. He even took it to court to get a court order to get her counseling since the mother turned her against him. Nothing helped she calls him names and refuses to see him. He still though has to pay $65,000 towards her college education when she wants nothing to do with him. The daughter even lied on the stand to get the judge on her side, both lawyers knows this. The judge emancipated him from her but that's all that happened out of the courtroom for him. The judge has now destroyed anything this father did have with his daughter. I completely don't understand how if he's emancipated why he is still required to pay 50% of her entire 4 year college tuition? She is still in college for the next 3 years. This makes it where he is required to pay $1,400 a month. He's a year in the rears too so he has too come up with that money too. Who can afford that unless you're absolutely rich or a millionaire.

coach2getfit · 2015-01-20T18:41:25Z

What does everyone think about a never married father or/and mother depending on a judges mood in court, orders them to pay their child's college no matter what their income is and no matter what college they've decided on enrolling in? Both unmarried parents are required to pay 50% of their child's tuition, housing, transportation and food. Giving the child authority over their parents when they should be on their own at age 18. I can see them continuing to pay their child support but not pay their entire college education. I had to pay for my college by getting a job that paid for it. The father and mother above never went to college more less a high end college at that.

Rysavy · 2015-11-29T03:16:20Z

So that guy ever get a fair shake?

Not sure hwy this fed to me seeing that it is last year. But the system that did it has had no change for the better.
The story had a few assumption but in teh end it was base on some pretty unfair and shady court actions.
The Custodial parent has extraordinary power to harm if their agent in CES allows to be biased by what they say and not fact. You can't squeeze blood from a turnip and the real "deadbeats" will always have the money to fight and stay free. The majority that fall behind just cant pay. And some states like the state of WA that owe, have EXPONENTIAL Interest. My life is ruined I have my youngest disabled child with me, he has the two that were left trust funds. The horrific amount of Due Process I've been denied over and over is uncountable. That Ashley chick posting is broken record saying court document says they were notified. Well shove it. Travesty of justice happens CONSTANTLY in the hands of Family Court System. I was no longer in marital home, had filed my proper address with the court but his attorney was getting away with sending there.. to him... to not forward. Don't be naive like me and think no fault divorce = civil. It means you don't need excuse to file. The winner ? is usually who filed first. Though it is agreed that there is no equality to progress mediation level in cases that had domestic violence or if only one party has attorney. Pray you are in filed in a state that uses income percentages instead of those friking charts that assume. My kids are now of age, well my son has to withstand one more year. Once it is inactive and just arrears I can repair my credit and attempt to pay the daem thing off in reasonable schedule and percent of my income and that can't be used as a weapon anymore. he attacks me in court every 4 years. If he had left me alone Id have paid it off instead of attys fees that ate my 401k up. I think the tax and earnings garnishments should be enough. Jail time (not m yet tank the stars...he tried once) and revoking needed DLs and Documentations is not anything but punitive and destructive of the children getting anything salvaged from the scorched earth. It already costs the taxpayer.. I wish divorce had attorneys appointed for both parties from onset. bet less frivolus crap and sneaky exparte actions would come of it. And the kids get a better arrangement. Sliding payment scale for the attorneys based on what the parties are earning.
I trusted the legal system until then. My ex didnt even win custody originally, I did. Then his father took them from "both " of us to hand them to him a year later. Regardless of the facts, some from his own statements while angry at my presence , that saw him unfit to have a hamster.

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