The next big civil rights movement...

Common Sense Isn't Common

For too long, fathers have been denied basic civil rights and faced systemic pervasive inequity in family courts. To address this injustice, we must unite as a nation to confront the discriminatory laws, procedures, policies, and practices that have led to this unequal system and deprivation of constitutionally protected civil rights.

Through our advocacy, we aim to eliminate laws, procedures, policies, and practices that disproportionately affect fathers.

Your support is essential in ensuring that all fathers receive fair treatment in the courts and have the opportunity to be active members of their families without undue intervention or constraint.

Join us in this cause by educating yourself, pledging your support, or donating to help us provide advocacy and education for a better future for all.

MAKING HEADLINES

YouTube - Lionell "TJ" Tillman Explains Why Child Support Is Fraud

YouTube - Thrown in jail for 5 years - not his child

Missed his court date - Judgement 5 years jail - DNA test revealed not his child

New York Times - Skip Child Support. Go to Jail. Lose Job. Repeat.

" Walter L. Scott went to jail for failure to pay child support, it sent his life into a tailspin" - New York Times

YouTube - "I've Been Homeless Because of It"

"Can't pay my bills because my checks have been garnished - 66.3%

"DOWNWARD SPIRAL" HOW DID WE GET HERE?

1776-1880

Child support laws were present in the 13 colonies by 1776, but it was not until 1880 that the courts established civil law specifically for child support. This legal framework enabled children and their mothers to make lawful claims for financial support from fathers, relieving communities and parishes from the burden of financial responsibility. While reminiscent of England's "poor laws," these regulations were more explicit and efficient.

1907

Stricter penalties, such as imprisonment, were introduced to enforce child support laws, targeting non-paying fathers. New York gained notoriety for imposing hard labor and prison terms on such individuals by 1907.

1935

In 1935, the Aid for Dependent Children initiative was launched, fostering a partnership between states and the federal government to offer financial aid to single-parent households in cases where fathers failed to meet their child support obligations.

During the post-Depression era, the United States implemented federal legislation that laid the groundwork for the modern welfare system. This program, initially created under Title IV-A of the Social Security Act of 1935, aimed to offer financial assistance to dependent children, leading to the establishment of the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program.

Public attitudes towards assistance programs have shifted over the years, with initial support for supporting families giving way to intense criticism. The AFDC program came under fire for allegedly creating welfare dependency and removing the incentive for families to leave the system. Critics argued that the program placed an undue financial burden on taxpayers.

1964 - 1970

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and California's Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) both forbid workplace discrimination against women. The introduction of the Equal Pay Act in 1970 abolished gender-based lower pay rates.

1975

In 1975, Congress responded to public pressure by amending the Social Security Act to include Title IV-D. This amendment required all states to create a program for locating noncustodial parents, establishing paternity, enforcing child support obligations, and managing support payments. This program is commonly known as "IV-D." Federal regulations, outlined in Part 300 of 45 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), specified the distinct responsibilities of the Federal, State, and local governments.

The original purpose of creating the Title IV-D incentive program was to collect funds for federal social service payments to mothers. Payments collected by the States must always increase in order for the States to receive the grants. The State gets reimbursed for collection efforts via $0.66/on the dollar for the jobs facilitating collection efforts. The Title IV-D program in inherently flawed and has been misused from its original intent to target non-custodial parents, primarily fathers.

1984

The 1984 federal Child Support Enforcement Amendments mandated the use of income withholding orders for delinquent accounts, expediting the establishment and enforcement of support orders. These amendments also authorized actions like state income tax refund intercepts, real property liens, and credit reporting on delinquent accounts.

1988 - 1990

The 1988 federal Family Support Act introduced further modifications to the prevailing child support procedures. It enforced prompt wage withholding for child support orders issued or revised on or after November 1, 1990. Additionally, it mandated regular review and adjustment of orders, established program standards and timelines, and compelled states to create a comprehensive automated child support system.

1996

The 1996 federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), also known as Welfare Reform, represents a significant shift in federal law impacting Child Support programs nationwide. PRWORA is grounded in the philosophy of fostering self-sufficiency within families.

Under PRWORA, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program replaced the AFDC program. This initiative involves the federal government allocating block grants of TANF funds to states, territories, and tribes to cover benefits, administrative expenses, and services aimed at assisting needy families. The primary goals of TANF funding include supporting needy families to care for their children at home, reducing dependency through promoting job readiness, employment, and marriage, preventing out-of-wedlock pregnancies, and encouraging the formation and maintenance of two-parent families.

1998

The Federal Child Support Performance and Incentive Act of 1998 introduced five federal performance measures, data reliability standards, and incentives and penalties for performance-based funding. The Deadbeat Parents Punishment Act (DDPA) of 1998 modified the CSRA, imposing felony penalties on a parent who relocates to another state or country to avoid paying child support, if the unpaid debt exceeds $5,000 and has been outstanding for over a year.

2013

The moms are now primary breadwinners in 40 percent of homes.

https://www.npr.org/ https://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/95-1441.ZO.html sections/thetwo-way/2013/05/29/187019187/moms-are-now-primary-breadwinners-in-40-percent-of-homes

2018

A study suggested that around 14% of child support debtors were incarcerated for failing to pay child support. If this percentage is applied to the entire population of child support debtors (11 million individuals in 2014), it could mean that approximately 1.5 million parents might be facing jail time due to unpaid child support.

https://sites.utexas.edu/contemporaryfamilies/2018/06/19/who-goes-to-jail-for-child-support-debt/

We're Hiring!

Join Our Team

1. Full or part-time civil rights attorneys,

2. Clerking hours - are you a prospective attorney or law school student? If you are eager to engage in clerking hours that provide experiential learning opportunities, please contact the ACFLJ. Clerking education has its roots in civil rights movements and has since evolved to equip students with the skills necessary to address legal disputes within communities that often lack access to legal representation. By partnering with an attorney, investigative unit, or assigned a legal focus group you can assist those who are most in need of legal support.

ACFLJ's mission

LEGAL ANALYSIS

fair family laws fathers rights child support

We seek legal analysis which involves a comprehensive review of the legal framework to determine whether the laws align with the principles and provisions outlined in the constitution.

FOIA REQUESTS

LEGAL ANALYSIS

By submitting FOIA requests, we hope to gain access to the information necessary for our research & analysis - with the aim of promoting transparency and accountability within the government.

EDUCATION

DRAFT SOLUTIONS

Exploring the implications and challenges of family laws, such as gender bias, legal intricacies, enforcement hurdles, and constitutional considerations.

DRAFT SOLUTIONS

drafting solutions fair family child support

We formulate solutions and best practices for intricate family law matters

CONSTITUTIONALITY PROVISIONS INVOLVED

FIRST AMENDMENT, U.S. CONSTITUTION…CENSORSHIP OF A PARENT

FIFTH AMENDMENT, U.S. CONSTITUTION…FREEDOM NOT TO SPEAK,

EIGHTH AMENDMENT, U.S. CONSTITUTION…CRUEL & UNUSUAL PUNISH…

NINTH AMENDMENT, U.S. CONSTITUTION… ENUMERATED RIGHTS…

FOURTEENTH AMENDMENT, U.S. CONSTITUTION…FAMILIAL DECISIONS

ARTICLE VI, CLAUSE 2, US CONSTITUTION…SUPREMACY CLAUSE

ARTICLE I, SECTION 10, CLAUSE 1, U.S. CONSTITUTION… CONTRACT CLAUSE

ARTICLE 1 SECTION 9, CLAUSE 3, U.S. CONSTITUTION… NO BILL OF ATTAINDER

STATUTORY PROVISIONS INVOLVED

Section 427 of the Family Court Act

Section 5015 (a) (4) of the Civil Practice Law and Rules

NY Judiciary Law - JUD § 756: WORDING NOT PRESENT

18 U.S. Code § 1581, PEONAGE; OBSTRUCTING ENFORCEMENT…

18 U.S. Code § 1589: FORCED LABOR…

18 U.S. Code § 1592: UNLAWFUL CONDUCT WITH RESPECT TO DOCUMENTS IN FURTHERANCE OF TRAFFICKING, PEONAGE, SLAVERY, INVOLUNTARY SERVITUDE, OR FORCED LABOR…

18 U.S. Code, Chapter 13, CIVIL RIGHTS…

18 U.S. Code § 241, CONSPIRACY OF RIGHTS…

18 U.S. Code § 242, DEPRIVATION OF RIGHTS UNDER COLOR OF LAW…

18 U.S. Code§ 1951(a)(b)(2), INTERFERENCE WITH COMMERCE. BY THREATS OF ACTUAL OR THREATENED FORCE …

18 U.S. Code § 1961(1)(A)(B)(2)(3)(4)(5), RACKETEERING ACTIVITY…

18 U.S. Code§ 2382, MISPRISION OF TREASON…

28 U.S. Code § 1691 - SEAL AND TESTE OF PROCESS

28 U.S. Code § 455, DISQUALIFICATION OF JUSTICE, JUDGE OR MAGISTRATE JUDGE...

31 U.S. Code§ 3729(a)(l)(A)(B)(E), FALSE CLAIMS (A) LIABILITY FOR CERTAIN ACTS.-(L)…

42 U.S. Code, THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE…

42 U.S. Code, Chapter 22, CIVIL RIGHTS…

42 U.S. Code § 1983 - CIVIL ACTION FOR DEPRIVATION OF RIGHTS…

42 U.S.C. sec. 1985(3). INVIDIOUS GENDER DISCRIMINATION AND CONSPIRACY ACTIONS…

42 U.S. Code§ 658, Title IV-D, Section 458, Social Security Act, INCENTIVE PAYMENTS TO STATES...

42 U.S. Code § 658, TITLE IV-D, SECTION 458, SOCIAL SECURITY ACT, INCENTIVE PAYMENTS TO STATES…

42 U.S. Code § 1994 - PEONAGE ABOLISHED

319 U.S. 105. - ILLEGAL TO TAX A RIGHT

FEDERAL RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE

UNCONSCIONABLE CONTRACT

CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964 – SEX DISCRIMINATION

42 U.S.C. § 659(A)(B)(4)(I) – TITLE IV-D AGENTS - WITHOUT IMMUNITY

U.S. Sent’g Guidelines Manual § 5e1.2(D)(2); DIRECTING COURTS TO CONSIDER “EARNING CAPACITY AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES” WHEN ASSESSING A DEFENDANT’S ABILITY TO PAY A FINE

Violent Crime Control And Law Enforcement Act Of 1994, 34 U.S.C. § 12601 (Section 12601); MAKES IT UNLAWFUL FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS TO ENGAGE IN A PATTERN OR PRACTICE OF CONDUCT THAT VIOLATES THE U.S. CONSTITUTION OR FEDERAL LAW, INCLUDING, UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, THE UNCONSTITUTIONAL OR UNLAWFUL IMPOSITION AND ENFORCEMENT OF FINES AND FEES.

N.Y Judiciary Law Section 487 – ATTORNEY FRAUD UPON THE COURT

U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division – Dear Colleague letter dated April 20, 2023

Separate ORG - ACFLJ ADVOCATES mission

BOOTS ON THE GROUND

CAMPAIGNING SIGNATURES

fair family laws advocating child support

Parents coming together to fight for a cause related to family laws can be a powerful way to advocate for change. Forming support groups, organize rallies, and raise awareness

CAMPAIGNING SIGNATURES

signatures fair family laws child support

Gather the necessary number of signatures to introduce or amend legislation

LOBBYING

CAMPAIGNING SIGNATURES

LOBBYING

fathers rights constitutional child support

To actively lobby in both State legislatures and Congress to advocate for the passage of new "Fair Family" laws

American Coalition for Family Law & Justice

MISSION

The next big civil rights movement...

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

No father should be in prison for child support...

Common Sense Isn't Common

MAKING HEADLINES

YouTube - Lionell "TJ" Tillman Explains Why Child Support Is Fraud

YouTube - Thrown in jail for 5 years - not his child

New York Times - Skip Child Support. Go to Jail. Lose Job. Repeat.

YouTube - "I've Been Homeless Because of It"

"DOWNWARD SPIRAL" HOW DID WE GET HERE?

1776-1880

1907

1935

1964 - 1970

1975

1984

1988 - 1990

1996

1998

2013

2018

Congress has the power to create laws, the President has the power to veto them, and the Supreme Court may declare laws Unconstitutional - Cornell Law School

We're Hiring!

Join Our Team

Apply Now

I would be the first to advocate obeying just laws. One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. I would agree...that an unjust law is no law at all.

Slavery was "Legal" from AMERICA'S founding in 1776 until It wasn't in 1865. Similar CHILD SUPPORT WAS "LEGAL" IN 1776 - UNTIL [ ]...IT'S NOT!

ACFLJ's mission

LEGAL ANALYSIS

LEGAL ANALYSIS

LEGAL ANALYSIS

FOIA REQUESTS

LEGAL ANALYSIS

LEGAL ANALYSIS

EDUCATION

DRAFT SOLUTIONS

DRAFT SOLUTIONS

DRAFT SOLUTIONS

DRAFT SOLUTIONS

DRAFT SOLUTIONS

CONSTITUTIONALITY PROVISIONS INVOLVED

STATUTORY PROVISIONS INVOLVED

Separate ORG - ACFLJ ADVOCATES mission

BOOTS ON THE GROUND

CAMPAIGNING SIGNATURES

CAMPAIGNING SIGNATURES

CAMPAIGNING SIGNATURES

CAMPAIGNING SIGNATURES

CAMPAIGNING SIGNATURES

LOBBYING

CAMPAIGNING SIGNATURES

LOBBYING

Contact Us

Drop us a line to stay in touch!

American Coalition for Family Law & Justice

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