Michigan to try child support amnesty

Critics of a new amnesty program in Michigan for parents owing back child support say the program doesn't help those who want to pay but are broke. The Detroit News said parents who owe in Michigan and begin paying on their overdue child support bills between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31 will avoid civil and criminal penalties that range from jail to restricted drivers licenses to liens on property. The full past due amount must be paid by the end of the year to qualify. More than $8.8 billion in child support is owed by 610,000 parents in Michigan . Critics say the program will only benefit well-off parents who can afford to make payments. By:  UPI, Sciencedaily.com. http://www.sciencedaily.com/upi/?feed=TopNews&article=UPI-1-20050907-19151200-bc-us-childsupport.xml (Last visited September 10, 2005, REO).