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Editor, News-Register:
As a police officer in the city for several years, I never gave it much thought about what went down behind closed doors. I did my job and went back to work, never worrying about how the victims may feel.
Today, I now understand how the victims felt and feel. Not in a criminal case, but in family court where I am a victim.
Here in Jefferson County, defense and prosecuting attorneys are all buddies. They are more concerned about sipping their drinks together rather than actually helping clients. And trust me, these attorneys will do anything to avoid the obstacle standing in their way.
I employed a local attorney here in the city. We discussed everything from my expenses to fighting for being able to claim my child on my taxes. Court day finally approaching, I am ready and I assume my attorney is ready. Things are looking up.
Early morning court day, I receive the message, "no need to come to court." Then I receive the message, "you need to agree to the terms of this adjusted order." I questioned it and asked about the claiming of my son on yearly taxes. I was then told, I have to agree to the new support order or pay the full support order. What happened to my day in court?
Both attorneys met behind closed doors and decided what was best for me. They avoided representing me to the fullest. I got screwed over and they remain friends all while collecting their payday.
I try a new attorney outside the city. I have high hopes as this attorney is considered one of better in the valley. Upon meeting with this new attorney, I was quickly advised of how he knows the obligor and how he uses the obligor's attorney for some cases.
I was told to just "bite the bullet" and pay the money for the next two years.
Another dead end, another obstacle, and another attorney who doesn't want to butt heads with a fellow friend.
The system is flawed.
I am not a dead-beat dad, I have paid for my son and supported him from day one and for the last 16 years. You name it, from school supplies to clothing to everyday needs, I have paid for it.
As for the years of support, my son has not received a cent of it.
It's a terrible mathematical formula, and moms in Ohio just need to lie and hide things in fake LLCs, that way it can look like they are broke and need more money for their vanity.
The court will just give you the winning lottery ticket. No care in the world how it breaks the good dads.
The system isn't fair, it's a she said it, so it must be true system.
The attorneys play with good people as if they're a cheap toy.
Pete Basil
Steubenville