Biological Mom Cheating the System...Could I Get Custody?

[ProudDad1]

I am a concerned father. I have joint custody of my six-year-old son with my ex-girlfriend. For some time now, my wife and I have become increasingly concerned with my son's mother's abilities to properly parent and provide a stable lifestyle for him. We are aware that her and her boyfriend do drugs, frequently move and switch my son's school and do not keep a clean living environment, among many other things. We have approached the idea of attempting to obtain custody of my son but have been uncertain of whether or not we have enough evidence to prove his mother unfit.

 A few days ago my son's mother called and spoke with my wife over the phone. She was upset and admitted to my wife that she has been lying to the Department of Health and Human Services about the fact that I regularly see my son. She has been telling them that I do not see him at all, so they consider him to be a "deprived" child, which allows her to receive a benefit of over $400.00 a month because of this. During a review with her case workers from DHHS, she slipped and told them that I see my son every other weekend. They threatened to "take everything away" from her and she was frantic, saying that the money is her livelihood and it's how she pays for everything, even her gas. Oh, I suppose I should now mention that neither the mother nor her boyfriend have jobs and that I pay child support faithfully every month.

The mother also admitted to my wife that her boyfriend, whom she lives with and has an infant with is not supposed to be living with her because she has been lying to DHHS about him seeing their child as well, in order to receive this cash benefit. She said that the department may be sending a letter to me in the mail, inquiring whether or not I see my child and asked if I would simply lie and say that I do not see my son and sign the paper so she can continue stealing from the government.

It has been several days now and I have not seen a letter. Should it ever arrive, I intend to sign it honestly. However, if the letter never arrives, I am wondering if it would be in our best interest to contact DHHS and inform them of the mother's fraudulent activities and if she were to be charged with welfare fraud, might that aid us in our attempt to gain custody of my son? Thank you so much for your time.

[ocean]

Many times Social Services tries to find the father and then have HIM repay the government. How do you pay BM? Hopefully by check so you can show them how much you have been paying for the child. Do you have child support through the courts where you can just copy that part of the decree regarding child support?
If she was caught, she would have to repay them back. Are you paying guideline amount? If you turn her in, she could ask for the max in child support (using your last years tax numbers).
Just things to consider but I think I would turn her in so you do not get entagled in this mess. You could send them a letter stating the conversation that took place and give them documentation of the child support order and proof of you paying.
Good luck :)