Are you ready to embark on a journey to save lives, supercharge child support accounts, and bring about much-needed reform in child support maintenance fees? We certainly are, and we need your help!
Feel free to copy and paste this open letter and send it to your local Illinois state representative:
Dear Elected Official,
I hope you're doing well. We have some important news to share, and we believe it's crucial for you to know about it because it affects a lot of families in Central Illinois. We want to work together to make a big difference in the lives of people who are dealing with unfair child support fees. Our goal is to change things so that child support becomes better for everyone, with more fairness, teamwork, and accountability.
Let me introduce you to a few people who have been going through really tough times for a long time. There's Sarah, who survived domestic abuse in Taylorville and keeps getting surprise bills during the holidays for services from many years ago. Then there's Dan, who works hard as a janitor in Illiopolis but worries that his kids might not get the inheritance they should. Aaron, a disabled parent from Decatur, is trying to survive despite community challenges. Dean, a retired driver from Springfield, and Errol, a veteran from Danville with an ongoing divorce case in Champaign County, are facing similar problems.
The issue at hand is that even when child support obligations have officially ended and cases should have been closed, some individuals are still being charged annual fees that they should not be. This ongoing situation is leading to significant financial difficulties and emotional hardships for these families. To honor parents who do their best to keep their families together, we've come up with a proposal to change the law. Our goal is to make sure others don't have to go through what these families endure. We're also looking for help from the media to find lawmakers who might be interested in introducing a new bill to the General Assembly about this issue in January 2024.
Exhibits A, B, and C: The State Statute Challenge
Our initiative begins with three special exhibits, like three important scenes in a documentary movie. The first one, Exhibit A, shows the rules about money exchangeability for kids when their parents are apart or divorced. But, uh-oh, these rules seem very hard to work with, making it tough for families to understand and get the help they need, just like when you're trying to solve a puzzle, but the pieces don't fit together right.
Exhibit A presents the current wording of the state statute section related to annual child support maintenance fees charged seprately from everything else by local circuit clerks. This exhibit reveals a glaring problem — the existing language is perceived as uncollaboratable, leaving families struggling to navigate multiple systems that should be designed to truly support them.
Exhibit B has some ideas to make the rules better. These ideas are all about fixing the money problems that moms and dads in the community have because of the current rules. We want to change the rules to be fair and helpful for everyone, like when we share toys with our friends to make everyone happy.
Exhibit B focuses on addressing the financial injuries faced by community and innocent parents due to the existing language. The aim is to transform the system to one that promotes collaboration, equity, and justice for all.
In Exhibit C, we offer a new rule that wants to make sharing money through exchanges in families fairer and more like teamwork. Imagine if in a family, everyone worked together to decide how to accept and spend their money, so it's fair for everyone, just like playing a game together.
Exhibit C emphasizes collaborative financial solutions. Our goal is to rectify the issues in the current statute by making financial arrangements more collaborative and equitable.
Exhibits D, E, and Stacked Denials: Real-Life Consequences
Exhibit D is like a special letter that parents sometimes receive during holidays from their local clerks, even though they don't agree with it every year. This letter comes from parents in Central Illinois and shows that parents keep getting charged even after they're supposed to stop paying for child support. It shows that different parts of the system don't work together well, and they don't have the right information at the right time.
For example, it's like getting a birthday card in the mail every year even after your birthday is over, and the card keeps asking for a gift, even though you've already given one. This makes it clear that something is not working as it should.
In Exhibit E, there are petitions and votes from moms and dads in Central Illinois. This information tells us that even though they finished their child support payments, they're still being asked for more money. Imagine if you borrowed a toy from your friend, but even after you returned it, your friend kept asking for it back. Some people in these letters say they have to give money to two different places, and they feel scared or worried about what could happen if they don't. These letters show us how tough it can be for some people when things don't work the right way in the system.
"Stacked Denials" (Official Public Letters) Exhibit
Our "Stacked Denials" exhibit shows something very concerning. It's like when you're supposed to follow important rules, but some people don't follow them. Imagine if there are two special letters that say, "We need to be fair and follow the rules when we exchange people's money." These letters are from the county assisting convicted people and not innocent parents, and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), which is like a big authority that makes sure everyone plays fair.discrimination.
These letters tell us that when we ask people to pay money, we have to be very careful and not do it unfairly. They also say that courts and other places that collect money need to follow special rules to treat everyone the same, no matter who they are. These rules, federal guidelines, emphasize seven constitutional principles that help make sure things are fair and just when we ask for money.
But, even though these rules and letters are there, "Stacked Denials" show that sometimes, people still don't follow them. This means that some people have to pay money even if they shouldn't, and this is not fair. It's a big problem that needs to be fixed, especially in the annual child support maintenance fee system.
The "Unlimited Financial Health Support Fit Problem" can be a significant health concern, especially for vulnerable children who find themselves in the middle of family disputes. Imagine waiting a long time to get the help you need when you're feeling sad or worried. It's like having to wait for a doctor when you're sick. The "Delayed Mental Health Support Challenge" means that kids and their families have to wait a long time before they can talk to someone who can help them feel better about their finances. This waiting can make kids feel even more sad and scared. Sometimes, these problems stay hidden because people don't talk to each other properly. It's like having a secret that makes everything harder.
Sometimes, these problems stay hidden because people don't talk to each other properly about money, just like having a secret that makes everything harder. The "Access to Financial Health Resources Disparity" means that not everyone can get help with money when they need it, and this can make things really tough for some families. Different kids have different money needs, just like how we all like different things. The "Collaborative Financial Health Solutions" idea is about working together to make sure kids and families get the help they need quickly, like helping each other save money, and this can make things better for everyone. When we all help each other by sponsoring this statutory change, it can make things better for everyone.
Exhibit F: "Clean Child Support Initiative (WAND-TV Coverage)"
Imagine watching a TV show called "Clean Child Support Initiative by WAND-TV News." It's like a story about how some families have to wait a long time to fix child support problems. This story shows how waiting too long can make things really hard for families, even causing them to go to jail or face other bad things because of small mistakes on paper.
Exhibit G: "Tragic Suicide Case (Jail Coverage)"
Exhibit G sheds light on the real-life stories of people who have been unjustly burdened with charges that were not their fault, leading to severe hardships like money troubles, emotional suffering, and, in some heartbreaking instances, even suicide. It underscores the pressing demand to rectify these unjust charges and push for systemic changes to protect individuals from such devastating experiences.
In Exhibit G, it's the age-old case showing how a single parent went through a really tough situation. Even though they were open about their child support while changing jobs, they still got charged too much money. This caused a lot of problems with their finances and made them feel really sad and anxious. It's a good example of why we need to change how child support fees are handled to make sure this doesn't happen to others. Our children deserve ultra-safety measures in family law gaps.
Exhibit H: "Wrongful Charges Tragic Case (The US Sun & Forbes Coverage)"
Exhibit H sheds light on a profoundly distressing incident documented by The US Sun and Forbes, in which a 20-year-old Robinhood customer tragically ended his own life after encountering a significant negative balance in his account, highlighting the devastating emotional toll that financial and legal hardships can exact, even in situations unrelated to family law. However, our safety measures could someday bridge other diverging data, amplified media, gaps.
A young and unassuming man committed suicide after discovering a large negative balance in his bank account, demonstrating how financial and legal structures can lead to severe psychological distress and tragic outcomes.
Imagine for a moment, advocates ask, if when you buy a stock in the stock market and receive the order, you also attach your family to it. This means everything—your children, your home, your career, your income, your education, your faith, your holidays, your clothing, your transportation, and even your retirement savings. It's a thought-provoking comparison to what happens with marriage certificates and, unfortunately, divorce agreements and the associated fees.
The comparison underscores the current state statutes and bureaucratic processes that govern annual child support maintenance fees, often imposing rigid obstacles. These entities tend to prioritize their own perspectives, sometimes disregarding the significance of collaborating with the real experiences and collective insights of CLU parents. Think of it as individuals attempting to converse using different devices, like using walkie-talkies with occasional delays or range limitations, which can lead to misunderstandings.
Picture two friends trying to talk using walkie-talkies, but sometimes there's a delay or they move out of range before their messages get through. This is somewhat like the issue with the statutes. Some are now questioning whether we should continue investing in such a system, paying its fees, and silencing the voices of those it affects.
In contrast to situations like buying and selling futures, the realm of child support exchanges and family law courts lacks regulatory bodies akin to the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission). However, it's important to realize that making changes in this area could potentially unsettle those invested in the current system and disrupt existing orders, as emphasized by another anonymous advocate.
Moreover, the challenges in effectively tracking deposits and withdrawals between different institutions become apparent. Unlike the IRS, which handles personal data and makes periodic adjustments, there is no equivalent mechanism in place by statute.
Similarly, there is no account registry similar to a checkbook ledger that offers security against future extreme versus extreme litigation questions. In unfortunate situations involving media attention, the focus often shifts to one family unsustainable extreme at a time rather than longitudinal case-by-case developments addressing actual issues.
These complexities contribute to the lack of transparency within the annual child support maintenance fee systems. While our advocacy aims to address these challenges and bring about meaningful reform, we must also acknowledge the existing limitations and the potential consequences of altering the status quo.
We are therefore happy to introduce a relief effort known as "1st to 300%." Our goal is to provide personalized child support solutions, one unique problem at a time. Think of it as farmers tending to crops in a field, each requiring specific care and attention, just like the diverse needs of our community members.
If the barriers and burdens of annual child support maintenance fees were placed upon farmers from the grain market, a vital collective spirit of resilience and innovation would emerge among them. Farmers, renowned for their unwavering dedication to their craft, would unite to discover creative solutions to minimize the impact of these additional costs. They might form cooperative alliances, invest in sustainable practices to enhance yields, and explore new markets or direct-to-consumer avenues to sustain their livelihoods. Confronted with adversity, the farming community would unite, adapt, and continue nurturing the land to feed the world while striving for fairer policies.
Imagine a scenario where farmers are legally obligated to set their grain prices, along with associated fees, today, without the ability to adapt to changing circumstances in the future. This means they would be bound to these prices, whether they rise or fall, not just for their lifetimes but even beyond.
A Call to Action
We hold the view that child support is a primary part of responsible finances for parenthood, but the present state of additional money exhangers like the annual child support maintenance fee is comparable to attaching everything and everyone within a family to an unpredictable stock market. Children, homes, livelihoods, income, education, faith, and more are intricately linked, exposing families and young friends to potential financial and emotional turmoil.
Sadly, we are also aware that since 2008, 944 children have tragically lost their lives due to conflicts between divorcing or separating parents and other parental figures. This distressing statistic demands attention (or childproofing). Modifying the state statute can offer a glimmer of hope to those who feel trapped with no apparent other way out.
Exhibits A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H collectively present a comprehensive overview of the issues arising from the existing state statute, the proposed revisions, and the real-life hardships endured by parents adversely affected by the current system. These exhibits underscore the pressing need for reform and accountability in prescribing annual child support maintenance fees.
What Can Your Constituents Do?
Our journey to reform child support maintenance fees and supercharge child support accounts has just begun. Since 1983, reports connecting victims experiencing no child support, death, jail, or worse due to financial struggles have lacked the sources of authentic information they desperately need. CLU has a secret trades helping people with unaccountability problems feel better, live longer, and get back to living their lives. But with legislation, we can't do it alone.
We invite your constituents to join our Facebook Page: "Child Support Reform Advocates - Central Illinois." Here, they can unite with others in advocating for fair, accessible, and equitable child support policies and procedures in Central Illinois. We're here to support parents and families facing challenges with child support maintenance fees and work towards positive change.
Additionally, for those who qualify, CLU has a limited amount of funding available at www.cleanlawunion.com to cover any wrongful annual child support maintenance fee charges. Your constituents can visit the website and apply for relief.
Thank you for taking the time to consider our urgent plea for change. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of countless families and children who deserve better.
Sincerely,
(Your name here)
United CLU Parents in Family Trial Ministry
Anyone can also copy and paste the following social media post or comment:
🚨 Urgent: How Can We Save Lives and Reform Child Support Maintenance Fees? 🚨
Hey everyone, we've got an important mission on our hands, and we need your help! We're rallying to bring about change in child support maintenance fees and supercharge child support accounts. Together, we can make a real impact.
We've gathered exhibits highlighting the challenges in the current state statute, proposed revisions, and the real-life consequences faced by parents. It's time for reform, and we're on a mission to make it happen.
But we can't do it alone. We invite you to join our Facebook Page: "Child Support Reform Advocates - Central Illinois." Here, you can connect with others who are passionate about advocating for fair and equitable child support policies.
For those in need, CLU has funding available at www.cleanlawunion.com to cover child support maintenance fee charges. Visit the website to apply for relief.
Let's work together to create a better future for families and children. Your support can make a world of difference. 🌟
#ChildSupportReform #SuperchargeChildSupport #MakeADifference
References:
Champaign County Office of the Circuit clerk. (2023). https://www.champaigncircuitclerk.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Amnesty-Week-Press-Release-022823.pdf
Cleaning up child support laws. WAND. (2017, September 13). https://www.wandtv.com/news/cleaning-up-child-support-laws/video_e227b94f-fcb8-5344-922c-99cf27eaae7a.html
Dempsey, G. (2019, April 25). Cary man died by suicide in McHenry Jail Cell: Source. Crystal Lake-Cary, IL Patch. https://patch.com/illinois/crystallake/cary-man-committed-suicide-mchenry-jail-cell-source
Gupta, V. (April, 2023). U.S. Department of Justice. https://www.justice.gov/d9/press-releases/attachments/2023/04/20/doj_fines_and_fees_dear_colleague_letter_final_with_signatures_0.pdf
Illinois State Statutes. 705 ILCS 105/27.1B. (n.d.). https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/070501050K27.1b.htm#:~:text=Sec.,in%20accordance%20with%20this%20Section.
Klebnikov, S. (2023, September 12). 20-year-old Robinhood customer dies by suicide after seeing a $730,000 negative balance. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/sergeiklebnikov/2020/06/17/20-year-old-robinhood-customer-dies-by-suicide-after-seeing-a-730000-negative-balance/?sh=1937b9cc1638
Salas-Rodriguez, I. (2023, December 24). I lost my son after a banking glitch showed he owed $730,000. The US Sun. https://www.the-sun.com/news/9784704/son-committed-suicide-banking-glitch-robinhood-lawsuit/
Wemple, A. (2023). Sign the “Unlimited Child Support Fees Problem” petition. Change.org. https://www.change.org/p/advocating-for-change-the-unlimited-child-support-fees-problem