Fathers and Child Support

In reading Robert Fellmeth’s Column Left (Aug. 10) I was taken aback by some of his statistics. Who can argue with the headline, “Things won’t change till men accept their responsibilities.” But as a noncustodial parent, active in fathers’ rights groups, I know too well that all too often we hear only one side of the story.

I talk frequently with fathers who have been victimized by the L.A. district attorney’s Bureau of Family Support. This bureau seems to be mostly interested in building statistics that it can trumpet in self-serving news releases. My case is not untypical. Although I have faithfully paid child support for many years, the district attorney certified to the state Franchise Tax Board that I am delinquent. It seized $8,000. After an audit it acknowledges the overpayment, but refuses to return it.

My point is: Look at the numbers with a critical eye. There may be a politician cooking the books.

DAVID LEE SPERRY

Hacienda Heights

Though there are fathers who neglect their kids, there are fathers like myself who try to get involved, and the system gets in our way every time. I am a father of four children, one with special needs. I miss them very much. To meet my financial commitments I must work, so my time with my children is very limited.

My ex lives in a home provided by her parents, in a well-to-do neighborhood, and has a reportable income of less than $20,000 a year. If her full income were reportable, it would be more than $40,000 a year. She takes trips all of the time, goes to her parents’ houses and enjoys the benefits of being a mom who does not have to work.

I am the bad guy who is supposed to send half my income to a woman who has more means to support my children than I do. I cannot compete with her family, and it is a source of deep grief for me, especially when I know that I cannot have the fun her family has with my children.

DAVID A. WHITELAW

Los Angeles