Child Support Enforcement

In 1986 I was married and the father of two small children 9 and 7 years old living in Chicago.  In June of that year my two children and I traveled to Central Illinois for my mothers' 50th birthday party.  My wife said she had to work and could not attend, so my children and I took off on a Friday evening when I got off of work.  When we returned the following Sunday and  got home,  to my disbelief found that  my wife had taken all her clothes and moved out.  After 2 days I finally had information that she had moved in with another man and was pregnant with his child.  Needless to say that on October 10, 1986 we were divorced.  She had signed everything over to me even full custody of the children.  

When I went before the judge, she asked me about child support and I told her I did not want anything from my wife.  The judge then told me that by law I had to take some kind of  monetary support from my wife and that the minimum would be $35.00 a week in child support and I agreed.  So the papers being signed and documented I went on my way.  Well, trying to get the child support from her was impossible.  I went to 5 different lawyers in Chicago, each telling me the same thing, that unless she had something of real value like a new car, real estate etc... I wouldn't be getting anything, but I could sue her at my expense.  I thought why should it be at my expense when there is a exsisting court order for her to pay the child support.  I contacted state agencies, public aid, legal aid but got nowhere.  In 1987 I remarried and in 1989 moved to Central Illinois where I have remained to this day.  While living in Central Illinois I contacted 3 different lawyers and the same state agencies, only to hear the same story, so in 1992 I finally just gave up.  Now my 9 and 7 year old are now 28 and 26 years old, and since moved out of the house over 8 years ago.