The government is implementing a new system to address significant delays in child maintenance payments at the family court, following complaints from mothers who were unable to access funds despite fathers making timely payments.
The issue was raised by a mother during Thursday night’s town hall meeting in St John’s Rural South, explaining that money paid into the court system was taking an excessive amount of time to be processed and distributed to mothers at the collection court.
The woman, who has two autistic children requiring levels three and four care, said the delays were creating hardship for families depending on the maintenance payments.
Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin told the meeting that Permanent Secretary Hildred Simpson had investigated the matter after receiving multiple complaints from affected mothers.
“The permanent secretary, Mrs Simpson, looked into the matter and she has spoken with the registrar, the deputy registrar, who is responsible for the family court,” Sir Steadroy said. “They are now establishing a system where monies are sent immediately, no longer than 24 hours from the high court, down to the court where you can collect your funds.”
The Attorney General said the issue had affected numerous mothers who believed fathers were not making timely payments, only to discover the money had been paid but was stuck in processing.
