Child support issues such as this are a matter of primary concern for the Congress of the United States, and all state governments within our country. Congress has labeled the failure of fathers to pay adequate child support as a major social epidemic in our country, requiring the attention of all courts. There are strict federal and state laws on the books dealing directly with your situation.

You have to bring this to the attention of the court that ordered the child support. Your husband is liable for contempt of court, and criminal penalties as well.

Many states have a separate agency set up to handle the child support. They take the money directly from the father's employer (garnishing his paycheck) or from his pension payments, and transfer the money directly into your bank account exactly on the day it's due.

If the father falls behind on payments, the court is notified, and action is taken against him immediately by the law enforcement authorities.

I had child support for 18 years for my child.

One thing I decided early on was that I would never depend on it. There are just too many variables. I always thought of it as "extra" money. Like a bonus I may or may not get every month.

I don't recommend budgeting this money in with the money you use for your household expenses. Put it into your account. It can be saved for Christmas and birthday presents, extra clothing for the kids, an emergency fund, kids' parties, graduation expenses, things of that nature that you don't buget for every month, that aren't complete necessities of daily living.