X Strikes Again

Yesterday Andy advised me that X is contesting of the Child Support Order. While this is coming as no surpise, it certainly comes with a lot of irritation. The child supprt hearing was branched off the custody hearing. X was aware of the date and didn't bother to show for the support hearing. She's likely thinking that since she's unemployed, she doesnt have to pay child support. The child support officer set the amount based on ability to earn at least minimum wage. The amount was also based on the fact that we have Ariel for a calculated 91% of the time, since X has opted to not take her weekend visits. The court officer also added in half of the daycare expenses, again, nothing unreasonable. The calculated amount came to over $500 a month. Expensive, of course. No one said having kids was cheap. This was not a suggested or desired amount from Andy or myself. The Child Support Services Division of Family Court came up with it.Frankly we would have been happy with $100 a month, if we thought we could actually get that amount.
As expected and properly predicted, X has not paid a dime. We knew she wouldn't. It goes without saying that Andy and myself are fully supporting Ariel.
So now we have a contested child support order.
Yes, my dear readers, if you are anything like me, your irritation is likely rising. Yes, had she even attended the child support hearing like she was ordered to, then maybe this would not be needed. Yes, it truly doesnt matter if the child support were set at $500 a month or $5.00 a month, she's still not going to pay.In our state, Child support can be reviewed any time there is a chance in circumstances that would result in a $50 change in support. She's still unemployed, she's still living in a car...so what's changed? Nothing. At least for her.For us ofcourse, there's the added expense of an additional mouth to feed, body to dress and bathe, and daycare expenses. We're glad to do it, wouldnt have it any other way, but uh...again, why the review?
I mean really. What difference does it make when she's not paying child support anyway?
As we've known for ages, this honestly has nothing to do with money, has nothing to do with Ariel, it has to do with the fact that X feels powerless by her own choices and decides she wants revenge. Understandable, but this can only backfire on herself. She doesnt provide any insurance, copays, nutrition, or any kind of care for the child, so how does she think she deserves any rights?
X is getting angrier and angrier by the minute and the only thing she can see is hatered and anger. Again, understandable, but she's wanting to take it out on the wrong people. Blaming others, dragging others through the mud...its a sad sick story that so many stepmammas and fathers face.
All in time this too shall pass. And then we'll go 'round again and again when X's anger yet again gets the better of her.