Questions and Arguments

For Your Lawyer to Address

 

Ø       Does the state or local agency have jurisdiction if you file the family protection objection under 42 U.S.C. 1301 (d)?

o         See Booklet #03-3 for 1301 (d) Family Protection objection

 

Ø       If the custodial parent is not on public assistance, is there a compelling state interest to assert themselves in this COLA issue?

o         If you don’t owe the public authority any money as a result of your child support case, and have not been a public burden for any reason under Title IV, there is no compelling state interest.

o         If, without your child support, you’re child(ren) would not be in a position to qualify for public assistance, there is no compelling state interest.

o         COLA’s should only apply when the custodial parent is on public assistance, as defined in Title IV.

o         COLAs are only meant to recover public money provided to the custodial parent.

 

Ø       Were you aware of the IV-D welfare application prior to the assignment of rights to the county IV-D agency?

o         By law, you must be properly notified and allowed a fair hearing process to challenge the assignment of rights of your child(ren) over to the state.

o         Your due process has been violated if you were not informed by the county that the application had been submitted, and if you did not have an opportunity to object to the applicant or verify the facts provided in the application, as they relate to you and your child(ren).

o         If you can take care of the children without public assistance, that is your option as a parent.

 

Ø       Has the state established the proper burden of proof that there has been an increase in your wages or salary?

o         Establish and maintain your constitutional right to privacy which protects the privacy of your tax records.

o         It is a violation of privacy to require tax records when you have filed jointly with a new spouse – their information is not pertinent to the case.

o         Show, with payroll documentation, that you have not had an increase, or that you have had a decrease, when applicable.

 

Ø       Has the state established proper burden of proof that there has been an increase in the cost of the living for the child(ren)?

o         Does the child(ren)’s cost of living expenses for the basic needs  equate to the same increase imposed on you for their cost-of-living increase?

o         Be prepared to refute the states “best interests” argument – no best interest statute has any reference to finances.

 

Ø       Are the basic financial needs of the children being met?

o         Show the cost to raise child(ren) by using the foster care standard

§         The state has determined the true cost of raising children, by defining specific amounts required to cover the basic needs of the child(ren), through the foster care program.

o         If you meet the current state foster care standard, which in MN is $448 a month (with each parent equally responsible for their half at $224 each), the basic needs of the children are being met.

o         The state has no compelling interest beyond the basic needs of the children – If the state can not prove that the child(ren) are being deprived of basic needs, there is no compelling state interest.

o         Child support must be based on the true cost of raising child(ren).

o         The state cannot dictate how much money a parent chooses to spend on their children, above and beyond their basic needs. Anything more is “lifestyle support” and is not child support.

 

Ø       Are you being erroneously labeled voluntarily unemployed or voluntarily underemployed?

o         If so, it is a violation of constitutional right to chose your way of self-sustenance for you and your child(ren).

o         Remember, the judge is voluntarily underemployed for not working for a prestigious high-paying private law firm.

o         The current economy must be considered.

o         Your earnings history must be considered. Find your SSI.

o         Unemployment rules require proof of sufficient job search – you can’t be receiving unemployment compensation and be voluntarily unemployed.

 

Ø       Table of Authorities

o         MN Statute 518.641

o         Federal Law 666 (10) (A)

 

 

Ø       Are my constitutional rights being violated?

o         Violation of Right of Privacy:

§         If a private agreement has been made, there is no compelling state interest and there should be no delivery of government services.

o         Violation of Procedural Due Process:

§         If they notified the employer of a mandatory cost-of-living increase before you have been notified and/or before you have been given a fair hearing and so adjudicated.

o         Violation of Substantive Due Process:

§         If you have not been offered an opportunity to challenge the assignment of rights, and seek appropriate relief.

o         Violation of 1st Amendment and 9th Amendment:

§         If you are a fit parent and have been prevented from protected liberty interest of parenting the way you chose.

o         Violation of Equal Protection (5th and 14th Amendment):

§         The law is there to make sure that your rights as a non-custodial parent are as protected as the custodial parent.

§         Since the state can’t require a married family to spend more on their children, they can’t require you to spend more.

o         Violation of Civil Rights

§         If your 1301 (d) objection is not honored the public authority is in violation of federal law if they continue the unwanted, unnecessary government intrusion in your family.

“Having canceled the bond which stood against us with its legal demands; this He set aside, nailing it to the cross.” Colossians 2:14

 

CPR Vision Statement: An inter-denominational, faith-based, bi-partisan, gender-neutral, tax-exempt public policy and educational organization to protect the civil rights of both parents to protect the children.

CPR Organization Mission: Bold advocacy, practical education, and compassionate support, through thoughtful, thorough, and accurate analysis that leads people to responsible action that influences less government and protects the rights and responsibilities of both parents, to encourage healthy development and best interests of children, to resolve differences so that fractured families will be strengthened.

 

CPR educational booklets are updated regularly. If you have suggestions on how to improve this brochure, please notify us. For current release of this brochure, visit our website.

CPR educational booklets do not purport to give legal advice. The information contained herein is general in nature; individual circumstances will always vary. We recommend you consult an attorney for advice and legal representation.

CPR is in the process of applying for non-profit status, CPR is currently under umbrella of tax-exempt 501 c(3) organization, Providence House

 

ã 2003 may be copied by permission only – derivative works or reproductions are a violation of copyright without prior authorization from CPR

Challenge Your COLA

Educational Booklet #AL03-03

 

 

 

ASK YOUR LAWYER …

 

The purpose of this information is to help ensure that you are asking your lawyer all the pertinent and relevant questions that must be addressed in your motion, affidavit, and memorandum of law, in order to help ensure a thorough argument based on all facets of the law. No argument with merit should be overlooked; and every document is critical to the record. Your case must be appropriately and adequately presented to the court, to protect and safeguard you for all possible appeal issues.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepared By:

Center For Parental Responsibility

P.O. Box 130776

Roseville, MN 55113

 

CPR Voicemail: 651/490-9277

Website: cpr-mn.org

Email: info@cpr-mn.org

 

 

 

 

Latest Update: May 31, 2003