Anyone trying to collect child support in Freeborn County is going to need a lot of luck. It’s been my experience since being in their system since 1999 that if you are the parent owing the support and choose to pay, or not, it’s OK either way.

I’ve been playing this game for almost 10 years.

I am owed $44,937.99. The ex gets visitation. My husband works. I work. The ex doesn’t. If he worked, his paycheck gets garnished, since his payment history proved inconsistent, or nonexistent at times.

His support amount was $400, reduced to $360 after one of the children turned 18.

Never mind the problem I have with a parent that doesn’t do what’s right; my problem is with a system that allows this.

Our tax dollars pay their wages. I have been told by the case workers that I can take him to court. Isn’t that their job? They say they have a huge caseload. I can imagine that’s because they’re not doing their jobs.

I finally had enough, so I picked up the papers to file from the courthouse. It was suggested that I ask the county to follow through.

After repeated calls to the Freeborn County Child Support Enforcement and Collections, I left a message clearly requesting they prosecute this case. What happened was “phone tag.” She had questions for me. I say, look in the file, that should answer any questions.

That was in May. Now it is September with nothing happening.

Incidentally, the last time I received anything was $50 last fall. I can tell you from experience the reason there is a huge caseload is because they sit on their hands.

This is a judge-signed court order, and this nonpaying parent should be incarcerated. The ex has had his license revoked several times, for nonpayment

Incarceration is the next step.

There is a child support Web site where you can retrieve the history of your case. Click on “Actions in the Last 90 Days” tab. It says, “There is currently no information for your case. There may be more information at a later time.” What, no “Attempt to Locate” even? At least throw me a bone!

Then you click on the”Case Process” tab and you get this: “The case is in the enforcement process.”

Ha ha, that’s really funny. Let me tell the jokes!

Laura (Bartel) Feeley

Glenville