ISOLATION: Child Support 911

by Tabitha White

  Chapter 8

  “Craig I need a word with you.”

  “Oh. What do you want? I already gave you the keys to the house.”

  “The IRS informed me they will audit me, as an individual, this week. I need access to the files from years past as I have to account for all monetary transactions from the past seven years.”

  “Ha! Serves you right for telling the judge about me changing the locks. You want the files; go ahead take these two boxes and get out!” Craig said with harsh overtones.

  Angie lifts the heavy boxes feeling a bit bewildered that Craig did not put up much more of a fight. He did seem a bit irritated evidenced by the scowl on his face as he sat opposite Tony Giannola.

  “You can let Martin, your jack-ass brother, know the other two passengers riding in the car with me yesterday saw his face as he rammed into the back of my car! Tell him Mandy’s back in town and she now has the address for he and Candy’s home! Revenge will knock on your doorstep and you’ll never see it coming, none of you will! You hear me Craig Freeman I guarantee it, you and your whole family will pay!

  Lance acted like a true man and helped Angie by carrying the boxes to the car.

  Angie could hear Tony’s voice trailing off as she and Lance walked out the door.

  “Wow! Your brother rammed into the back of her car while she had your son in the car. What did you do about this?” Anthony said.

  “That’s the first I’ve heard of this. Mind your own business Anthony. I have no problems with you. We have a verbal agreement in business; let’s leave it at that.” Craig said.

  “You treat your ex-wife and son as if they are lepers. Craig your behavior, which lacks a civil hello for them, shames men everywhere. You have no problem with me, yet. Remember I can make people disappear. You’re pitiful man just pitiful. The sole reason I keep you and your bonehead brother around stems from our business arrangement and the money I pull in from it.” Tony said.

  Angie loaded the boxes in the car and felt a bit flabbergasted. She had thought that when she asked, Craig would say no, and she would need to concoct some elaborate scheme to get the records of their prior business dealings.

  “We will have a quiet evening at home; okay Lance. They say the snow will continue through the night. Would you like it if I invited Tammy and Alex over for the night?”

  “Yes, I’d like that!” Lance said.

  “Let’s go get them.”

  “Okay!”

  Angie and Lance drove back to the shelter to offer Tammy and Alex a room in their home free of the prying eyes endured in shelters. However, a thought came to Angie at that moment and left her questioning why Craig handed them over without a fight? Craig may have fixed the numbers so I appear guilty with the IRS. Craig hands nothing over easy.

  “Hi, Angie Steadfast, here to see Tammy and Alex Beauregard; can you page them please?”

  “Wait here.” said the front-desk attendant.

  Unfortunately, Angie and Lance had become too familiar with the dark scene in the shelter atmosphere.

  Angie watched the attendant walk back past the intake area. After a short time, he returned with Tammy and Alex in tow.

  “Angie, did you forget something?” Tammy asked.

  “Tammy, Lance and I would like to know if you and Alex would like to stay in a room in our house.”

  “Don’t get me wrong, this comes as a pleasant surprise, but why?”

  “The shelter suffices in times of desperate need, yet you know as well home represents security. The smell turns my stomach; doesn’t it do that to you? Lord knows this saving grace provided us a roof overhead and three meals and a warm shower. However, you both have a choice; you’re welcome to stay with us. There is little glamour showering in a truck stop.”

  “I think we can help each other Angie. Looking through my business records I now see financial entries that are wrong.” Tammy said.

  “Speaking of records, I got records from Craig today. He did not put up a fight when he handed them over which made my mind question his actions. The entire incident took place with Tony Giannola standing five feet away from me. Craig acted civilized and willingly handed them over. Tony Giannola stood there glaring at Craig; he seemed annoyed with him.”

  “That’s interesting. We need to discuss that further. For now, give us a minute to collect our belongings. Thank you. We appreciate your generous offer.”

  “We will wait here for you.”

  Angie began to feel a bit giddy while rekindling old friendships. Like bricks applied one atop the other, Angie took steps toward sealing Craig’s fate.

  “Okay, we have everything.” Tammy said.

  “Let’s go to my house and play Alex.” Lance said with a playful grin.

  Four individuals left the shelter, grateful for each other’s company and understanding of the complexities behind being homeless.

  “Oh great, I can’t believe this! I have a flat tire! I’ll bet Craig did this.”

  “What’s wrong?” Tammy asked.

  ‘I have a flat tire! I flattened all four of Craig’s tires on his Audi the other day at court out of frustration! Each time we go to court, I lose because he has the judge in his back pocket! That man drives me nuts!”

  “Craig torments you like he does the rest of us, doesn’t he?”

  “Believe me you have no idea!” Angie said.

  “Okay. Let’s all just take a breath right now, get the tire changed, and regroup. I’m sure something in the files will help us make this wrong right.” Tammy said.

  Angie began to trust Tammy a bit more after sharing and receiving a warm response to her short-lived hysterical moment.

  “Alex and Lance please sit on the parking block over here.” Angie said.

  Together, both women worked on loosening the lug-nuts. Following that, they raised the car with the jack.

  “I’ll get the spare tire out of the trunk Angie.”

  “Okay.”

  “Oh no! Angie, take a look at this.” Tammy said.

  When Tammy lifted the spare tire out of the trunk, she found files in a clear plastic bag.

  “Angie what’s this?”

  “I have no idea open it up.”

  “Why would Giannola Enterprises put files in the trunk of your car?” Tammy asked.

  “It’s Craig! I thought it looked as if someone rifled through papers inside my glove box. Do you see my point, I don’t trust him as far as I can throw him! This marks the last time that jackass will humiliate me! God, I can never let my guard down with him! Once again he never ceases to amaze me.”

  “Look at this form Angie. Do you know what this says?”

  “No! He didn’t!” Angie said.

  Chapter 9

  Bewilderment set in after trying to collect child support for six years and finally Angie believed Jaid in her corner would provide success. Craig found many ways to act unethical and remained within legal limits to avoid paying child support. Perhaps this slick attorney represented change.

  Amid a rising pulse, Angie began to sweat. As it mixed with the cool air inside the courtroom, Angie felt the sensation of a chill running down her spine.

  At last, the moment arrived.

  “Shall we go in? Jaid asked.

  “I’m ready Jaid. I’ve waited for justice from this man for some time.”

  Angie peered out the courtroom window. Poised between the court and the hospital across the street sat a park like a referee. In this park, a tire swing appeared un-used.

  “Okay let’s go in.” Jaid said.

  After all entered the courtroom the bailiff called the court to order.

  “Tiburon Waters, esquire, representing Craig Freeman. Your honor my client, Craig Freeman, has applied for and now receives social security benefits. The medical records document his disability, alcoholism. Because of the extended duration of his disability, he now presents with a long history of seizures. His caseworker assured me of his qualifying for Social Security benefits and to
ld me they begin the first of the month. In addition to that, he will receive a lump sum payment with which he can pay Ms. Steadfast half of the $55,000 he owes in arrears.”

  “Craig, I must admit, you’ve learned how to tweak the judicial officials so court decisions go your way. Your friend sitting there, high atop his perch, remains in your back pocket.” Angie said.

  “Order in this court!” jeered the judge.

  “Jaid Wood attorney for Angelina Steadfast; I apologize for my clients outburst. I would like a copy of the doctor’s reports claiming Mr. Freeman’s disability.”

  “Your honor if I may approach?” Tiburon said.

  “You may.”

  “I have prepared this motion to dismiss all charges and the Bench Warrant for my client’s arrest issued four days ago. In exchange for a signature from Ms. Steadfast, my client will sign an agreement stating that he will pay his ordered support as well as the $25,000 in arrears.” Tiburon said.

  “Ms. Steadfast do you wish to sign this document?” asked the judge.

  “Your honor my client and I need time to review the new documentation presented this morning. After we review the new information I will advise her.” Jaid said.

  “I need to collect the money Craig owes me so I can pay the $9,000 and redeem the home out of foreclosure! My son and I live in shelters and our car because Craig failed to obey the divorce decree. The court ordered him to pay the mortgage payments until the home sold.”

  “Ms. Steadfast where you live does not concern this court; you will have to work that out yourself. Child support issues remain this courts primary focus. Do you want to sign these papers or not?” Judge Winthrop Hall asked without showing an ounce of compassion.

  “I will sign if I can collect.”

  “Do I understand you correct Ms. Steadfast you will sign this form?” Tiburon asked.

  “I want to ensure if I sign this form Lance and I will receive half the support owed in arrears, $25,000.” Angie said as her hands trembled.

  “Your honor I have to object. I need time to confer with my client about the new information presented in court this morning.” Jaid said.

  “Mrs. Wood you and your client need to get on the same page. I’m hearing conflicting reports from both of you.” Judge Hall said.

  “Yes your honor. May we have a moment?” Jaid said.

  “How much will I receive in periodic support payments?” Angie asked however before anyone could answer, she spit out another statement, “Not once in six years has Craig managed to pay the court ordered $28.60 a week.”

  “Mr. Waters how much will the defendant receive in annual Social Security?”

  “He will receive $989.00 a month. He will receive Section 8 on an apartment that will cost him $41.00 a month and $308 in food stamps each month.” He will have his basic needs provided for.” Tiburon said.

  “Your honor I need time to confer with my client!” Jaid said.

  As Angie and Jaid discussed this matter at their table, Jaid held her hand over the microphone. Craig’s face bore a smug look on it. Angie felt elated that she would now collect. Jaid had an uneasy feeling about the withheld information.

  “Angie as your attorney I must advise you when an attorney brings evidence to court late in the game, trouble almost always surfaces because of the delay. You need to trust me.”

  The first few meetings with Jaid left Angie feeling puzzled. However, an indigent father, a common bond shared between Jaid and Lance, unraveled that mystery and gave Jaid much needed credibility with Angie.

  “Trust you? Sorry Jaid I have trouble trusting anyone. Lance and I live in the car because of this man’s repulsive actions and the court continues to allow it. Have you ever showered in the public library sink or stayed at a shelter? The bank foreclosing and forcing us from our home caused intangible pain and a bruised ego. I refuse to accept further tricks from Craig. If there’s a chance I can redeem my home from foreclosure, then I want to try it.”

  “Angie I must object. You have endured many trials with Craig and reluctance to trust makes sense, however, Craig doesn’t seem a trustworthy person.”

  The judge’s eyes begin to rest on page after page in the file. Thoughts begin streaming through Angie’s head like a river swelling from spring snowmelt.

  Clutching a pen, the judge sat awaiting the decision like an eager toddler.

  “I’ll accept Craig’s position on this. I want to sign and move forward!” Angie said.

  Jaid tossed her pen in the air and fell into the seat behind her. The judges’ patience grew thin as he put pen to paper in haste. Speaking with determination the judge said, “The noncustodial parent Craig Freeman, on receiving Social Security, will pay a lump-sum of $25,000 to Angelina Steadfast. He will also pay $28.60 a week in child support.”

  “I understand your honor.” Craig said with a slight grin on his face.

  “Tiburon Waters speaking for the noncustodial parent your honor; I must advise the court of social security’s findings.” Tiburon said.

  Craig grabbed Tiburon’s arm and pulled him closer saying, “What in the hell do you think you’re doing chief?”

  Whispering to Tiburon while Craig bore a look of bewilderment on his unshaven face prompted a wave of hushed whispers to erupt in the courtroom.

  “Problems, Mr. Waters?” the judge asked with a puzzled look on his face.

  In a muffled tone all present could hear Tiburon saying, “I must present these findings to the court I took an oath.”

  “The court has no authority to garnish Mr. Freeman’s social security because of the type he receives; Supplemental Security Income. This form of government aid is uncollectable under Michigan statute.” Tiburon said as he took off his glasses and looked at Craig with disgust.

  The blood in Angie’s veins began a one-way journey in the opposite direction of her brain. Stars appeared before her eyes and a queasy stomach set in as once again all hope disappeared.

  “What does that mean?” Angie asked as if to beg mercy from the court. In the following moments, she knew what the words uncollectable meant as they echoed like a droning gong sound emanating from ringing a bell.

  “Mr. Waters’ let me see if I understand your legal angle. You stood there knowing Craig received SSI and that it is uncollectable, yet you still aimed to have Ms. Steadfast sign off on her rights.”

  Tiburon responded without haste knowing the judge’s patience grew thinner with each incremental push on the clock.

  “I must let the court know that I had no knowledge whatever of Mr. Freeman receiving SSI until this morning. Had Craig privileged me to this knowledge yesterday I’d have given disclosure of this to the court.”

  “The court notes your admonition,” said the judge as he sighed, removed his glasses and wiped the increasing perspiration off his brow.

  “Mrs. Steadfast do you understand the implications? If you sign the document, you’ll never collect child support arrears because courts cannot garnish Supplemental Security Income under Michigan law. Do you still want to sign knowing this?”

  Thoughts skidded across Angie’s mind like cars in a smash-up derby. Her heart raced like a wild stallion. She wanted to kill Craig at that moment. Angie felt an empty void looking at Craig while questioning he and his relatives’ cold actions toward her and Lance. A grim realization set in and buzzed in her head like a swarm of angry hornets; the law would do nothing to protect the best interest of Lance.

  “His $50,000 arrearage will sit unpaid forever?” she questioned.

  A blind man could sense that Craig had not bonded with Lance. An internal inquisition, regarding how much money exchanged hands, followed. This all stemmed from Craig receiving a doctors’ approval for disability, because of alcoholism. In the courts eyes this equates to a full and permanent disability.

  “Your honor I must object to the court proceedings and ask for time to confer with my client.” Jaid said.

  Tears began to roll down Angie’s cheeks at the finali
ty of FOREVER while the joy felt earlier turned to disgust for this pitiful creature. Similar to how lottery Ping-Pong balls flew wild in a cage sentences spewed out from Tiburon’s mouth and rolled about in Angie’s head. Everything became blurry and her mind failed to focus. The realization that Angie and Lance lost evoked a deep rage; nothing would ever make this wrong right. An impenetrable wax sealed their grim fate while a brief solitary surrender followed.

  “Where do I turn for help?” Angie questioned the court. “We’ll lose our home forever!” Angie continued as the once-tormented Angie disappeared and an outraged scornful woman appeared.

  “Your honor he also received a large inheritance from his father’s estate. Did he tell the court about that? Did the court step in and garnish that money? He hid the money from your court by putting it in an account in his Aunt Hattie’s name at the bank where she works. Did the personal representative, his brother Martin, tell the court Craig received a large inheritance? He also works at the company he owns, Governors Insurance, and hides the money. Craig says he doesn’t make any money; he lies! Craig lies about everything. In a pigs eye he doesn’t make any money!” Angie said.

  “Order in this court!” the judge said pounding his gavel on the brown wooden circular disk it paired with. “Regarding the other allegations, you’ll need to file a motion.” said the judge.

  “Your honor I must ask for a brief recess to escort my client out of the courtroom.”

  Jaid took Angie by the arm, turned to escort her out and held out her hand for Lance to grasp on and accompany them outside the courtroom.

  Before Angie left the courtroom, she allowed notation of her frustrations before the crooked judge. “I told the court six weeks ago about Craig’s inheritance! You took no action! Craig still has you in his back pocket doesn’t he Judge Hall? Not for long; you greedy man; not for long! I’ll see to it that you’re never reelected!” Angie said,

  “Ms. Wood, remove your client from my courtroom this instant!” the judge jeered.