The Jan. 4 Herald story about pilot programs in various Colorado locations to keep deadbeats – men as well as women – from going to jail because they legitimately don’t have the resources to pay child support is long overdue.

A story about a spouse with financial means who refuses to offer equitable child support should be reported also. Our court system allows unethical divorce attorneys to rob children. These attorneys typically make more in fees than a child will receive up to age 18. A loophole exists where a rich spouse can get away without paying a rightful amount of support by claiming he/she is an employee making poverty level wages. In reality, they actually own a lucrative business and have other hidden assets only a seasoned slimy attorney can protect.

For the deadbeats who go to jail for a long time, there is no way to pay child support. The mothers with an old man in the big house are more likely to be on permanent government assistance. They are, however, better off than the women with wealthy exes who have to work two or three jobs just to get by. Even the working poor resent the people on the dole who get to spend more time with their children.

As someone who paid her dues and wished to have had more quality time with my children, who spent way too much time in day care when they were younger, that is one of many of life’s lessons thrown at me. I just get up and dust myself off as needed and, although I grieve daily, I feel blessed to have one child alive.

There are thoughtful remedies to all of the above as long as there are enough of us who are truly concerned enough to make it happen. The Herald story was a good start.

Sally Florence

Durango