Complaint Review: Office of Recovery Services of Utah - SALT LAKE CITY UTAH

“Deadbeat Dad” is a term that’s thrown around quite a bit when people speak of companies like ORS. Sometimes, that term is applicable. But, being a deadbeat parent definitely isn’t limited to the dad. What about the moms who are scamming the system? Who barely work, by choice? Who live a “poor” life on paper, but enjoy more luxuries than their counterparts who consistently work full time? 

Consider a mother of 4 school aged children, who worked full time for 11 of the 13 years she was married. She has a college degree and almost 20 years of experience in her field. Since her divorce, she maintains a steady 15 hours of work per week at a rate of $20+ dollars per hour. On paper, she’s living far below the poverty line.  She’s poor, right?  Being “poor” has provided her with the following benefits, just to name a few….free school breakfast and lunch for her children, waivers for school fees, free windows and a new furnace for her house, and Medicaid coverage (despite the fact that the father carries the kids on his commercial insurance plan). 

After a year and a half of legal proceedings, the father was granted 60/40 custody. His child support was reduced by a whopping $174 per month. There was wording in the paperwork stating that “The parties will defer child support calculation to ORS. The parties will cooperate with ORS and submit all necessary documentation to assist ORS in calculation of child support, in accordance with ORS’ policies and procedures.”  This wording was included due to the mothers’ refusal to mediate. 

Fast forward a bit, and “deadbeat dad” who now has joint custody, and has NEVER missed a payment decides to retain an attorney in hopes of reducing child support, and searching for a fair solution. Proof of mom’s education, work history, earning potential, and misuse of the states’ resources are reported to the Attorney General’s representative for ORS issues. 

The AG's office quickly rejects the suggestion that child support has been incorrectly calculated. Their response is that although they were able to conduct a more detailed investigation, and have the paperwork proving the other parties’ ability to work full time, they chose not to pursue it further. The day of court comes, and the commissioner appears to seriously consider both sides of this issue. He then states that he has no intention of “discrediting Ms. ___” (AG representative) in his courtroom, and what she has written and decided will continue to be the directive for this case. Policies and procedures were brought up multiple times, although specifics were never revealed. Imputing this “mom” at a full time wage would mean doing a bit of work, and acknowledging that the numbers were initially figured incorrectly.

The ORS website clearly states that child support is based on each party working the equivalent of one full time job. Fair numbers was the request. Nothing more. Basically, this dad was figuratively slapped in the face for daring to question ORS and the Attorney General.  He was even forced to pay the attorney fees for both parties.  So, the cycle continues. Mom continues to maintain less than part time employment. She collects every benefit the state has to offer the “poor” population. It’s tough being a single mom, right? Good thing she’s got a cleaning lady, gets her nails done every 2 weeks, hair at least once a month, new clothes and accessories right and left, and goes on more weekend getaways than the average working population could fathom. 

Where are the kids during all of these legal shenanigans? They’re being dressed in clothes that don’t fit. Their personal hygiene isn’t being acknowledged during “mom time”. They’re getting haircuts at home, because professional haircuts are too expensive. They’re left to their own devices so mom can go dancing, and hang out with the flavor of the month. They’re also being taught that working for the things you need/want isn’t necessary. 

What would it take to change this? What if ORS held this mom accountable for working a full time job? What if the child support they calculated took into account the facts.  A few things would happen….the kids would no longer “need” state assistance. They would no longer “need” free breakfast and lunch at school. A family who is legitimately working and doing their best would be the recipient of the new windows and furnace to help lower their utilities. Poor, single mom would finally be held accountable, and equally responsible for supporting her children.