Hints From Heloise

Sun., Nov. 17, 1996

King Features Syndicate

Dear Heloise: I read your column in which you advised people to keep canceled checks for seven years. Please alert your readers that canceled checks for child support and spousal support should be kept indefinitely!

I have heard from hundreds of men who report that, if accused of not paying past support, they are considered guilty unless proven innocent. Canceled checks or signed receipts are the only proof accepted.

Some of these men have cases going back 10, 15, even 20 years. Some were in states that originally had a statute of limitations, but subsequent legislation changed it retroactively. Many of these men are also hit with interest charges higher than any bank or credit company would be allowed to levy. - Fredric Hayward, Executive Director, Men’s Rights, Inc.

Thanks for your letter. We spoke with an attorney for the Bexar County Child Support Enforcement Office here in San Antonio and she said if direct payment is being made to the custodial parent, definitely keep all the canceled checks. - Heloise

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