Digital Social Hour Podcast Episode Summary
Title: Unmasking Child Support: A Tech Pro's Legal Battlefield | TJ Tillman DSH #1005
Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: T.J. Tillman
Release Date: December 23, 2024

Introduction

In episode #1005 of the Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly engages in a profound and enlightening conversation with T.J. Tillman, a tech professional who has navigated the complex and often adversarial landscape of the child support system. This episode delves deep into T.J.'s personal battle against what he describes as systemic fraud within the child support enforcement mechanisms, offering listeners a rare and unfiltered look into the challenges faced by individuals entangled in these legal processes.

T.J. Tillman's Personal Journey with Child Support

[01:00] T.J. introduces his struggle, highlighting the financial and emotional toll of the child support system. He emphasizes the non-discriminatory nature of child support enforcement, stating, "It doesn't discriminate. No matter whether you're rich, poor, middle class, it does not discriminate." This sets the stage for understanding the pervasive impact of the system across various socioeconomic backgrounds.

[02:04] Reflecting on his unique position, T.J. shares, "I was the first person that I know of who got their case dismissed for fraud." This pivotal moment in 2018 marks the beginning of his quest to expose and challenge the systemic flaws he encountered.

Legal Battlefield and Systemic Challenges

[04:05] T.J. provides a candid account of representing himself over two years without legal expertise. He explains, "I researched it, typed it up, filed it, everything myself. No legal background." His determination showcases the daunting nature of the legal system and the extensive knowledge required to navigate it successfully.

[05:16] The conversation shifts to the administrative aspects of child support hearings. T.J. reveals, "Child support hearings are not judicial. They're an administrative process," highlighting a critical distinction that underscores his arguments about the lack of due process in these hearings.

[10:52] Addressing financial incentives, T.J. states, "In 2024, $713 million to states to find you guilty in their own state hearing." He explains how these financial incentives drive states to prioritize case closures and guilt findings, often at the expense of fair trials and just outcomes.

Exposing Fraud and Manipulation

[26:16] T.J. delves deeper into the fraudulent practices he uncovered. He challenges the legitimacy of the child support enforcement process by dissecting legal documents and identifying inconsistencies. For instance, he found that his summons lacked the "seal of the court" and were signed by "deputy clerks" instead of actual judges, rendering them void under Supreme Court rulings like Scamby vs. Tryon.

[29:03] He provides a detailed recount of how his proof of service was falsified, leading to a default judgment against him. By presenting evidence that no one named Michael Tillman existed in his family and that the address used was vacant, T.J. exposed deliberate manipulations aimed at securing wrongful judgments.

Impact on Personal Life and Financial Well-being

[19:27] T.J. shares the extensive personal repercussions of the child support system. He describes how prolonged legal battles led to license suspensions, bank levies, and even incarceration, which severely impacted his financial stability and personal freedom.

[35:26] The discussion touches on the psychological trauma inflicted by continuous harassment from the child support system. T.J. explains, "I was still scared to put things in my name. It's like, you're not on child support no more. Like you can go and open up a bank account. They're not going to take your money. It's closed."

Systemic Flaws and Historical Context

[35:30] T.J. provides a historical overview of the child support system, tracing its origins to the 1935 Social Security Act and its evolution in 1975 with the introduction of child support enforcement. He critiques the system's foundation, arguing that enforcing repayment of grants contradicts the original intent of providing aid to needy families.

[38:21] He underscores the financial scale of the system, noting, "In 40 cases, child support can keep up to 66% of that money," revealing the disproportionate financial gains states derive from enforcing child support.

Calls to Action and Empowerment

[33:16] Recognizing the widespread lack of awareness and resources, T.J. has authored a book titled How I Stopped Child Support Legally. He outlines its structure:

• Chapter One: Definitions – Key legal terms essential for understanding and navigating the system.
• Chapter Two: WTF? – T.J.'s emotional response upon discovering his unwitting entanglement in the child support system.
• Chapter Three: Getting Started – Practical guidance on initiating legal challenges.
• Chapter Four: The Hearing – A detailed walkthrough of the hearing process.
• Chapter Five: Child Support Institutionalized – An exploration of the systemic entrenchment of child support as a punitive measure.

[49:48] T.J. encourages listeners facing similar struggles to access his resources, stating, "Everything is on child support is fraud dot com. There's the book. I do consultations. I do master classes."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Sean Kelly wraps up the episode by commending T.J. for his resilience and dedication. The conversation not only sheds light on the often opaque and adversarial nature of child support enforcement but also empowers listeners with knowledge and resources to challenge systemic injustices. T.J.'s journey exemplifies the impact of informed advocacy and the importance of questioning entrenched systems to seek equitable outcomes.

For those interested in learning more or seeking guidance, T.J. directs listeners to his website and social media platforms, ensuring that his advocacy extends beyond the podcast to reach and assist those in need.

Notable Quotes:

• T.J. Tillman [01:00]: "It doesn't discriminate. No matter whether you're rich, poor, middle class, it does not discriminate."

• T.J. Tillman [02:04]: "I was the first person that I know of who got their case dismissed for fraud."

• T.J. Tillman [05:16]: "Child support hearings are not judicial. They're an administrative process."

• T.J. Tillman [10:52]: "In 2024, $713 million to states to find you guilty in their own state hearing."

• T.J. Tillman [19:27]: "I represented myself for two years. No legal background."

• T.J. Tillman [26:16]: "Child support hearings work under presumption. If you do not object, they presume that you agree."

• T.J. Tillman [33:16]: "A lot of people don't know how to go through that process."

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: How I Stopped Child Support Legally by T.J. Tillman
• Website: childsupportisfraud.com
• Social Media: Instagram and YouTube under the handle "Child Support is Fraud"

This episode serves as a crucial resource for individuals grappling with the child support system, offering both a personal testament to its challenges and practical guidance for navigating and contesting its mechanisms.