Ruby Watson attempted to ensure full payment of her ex-husband’s child support and alimony debt of $500,000 even in the event of his death by having him take out a life insurance policy. Separated since 1988 and divorced since 2001 from Eddie Paul Watson, Ruby did not have her wish granted.
The Watsons’ case had been present in the Navajo Nation court system for so long a time that the Navajo Nation Supreme Court, not the Tuba City District Court, made the final decision on December 14, 2009.
Ruby had waited 13 years (the time between their separation and their divorce) to make an effort to have the court-ruled child support and alimony payments enforced. This delay was considered to be negligence on Ruby’s part, and payment of Eddie’s debt is not going to be enforced.
In addition, Eddie’s alimony payments, which in 1988 had been $800 a month, were reduced to $200 a month, affirming a Tuba City Family Court decision in 2007.
The Supreme Court addressed the situation, saying, “The request to secure a life insurance policy is a bilagáana way of making arrangement for payment of indebtedness,” and that it is not known to the “Diné way of life.” This request, the court said, is as if hoping for the death of another person.
Please click here to view The Navajo Times article, "'Foreign' to Diné way of life" for further details.
It about time a man wins his case. Thanks goodness. I hope we (men) all win in the long run, those that still pay child support.
ReplyDeleteThis was obviously a decision by a man who is probably in default of child support payments also. The Navajo Nation has gone to pots... what happened to "looking out for our children - our future" that's just proving to be a politicians lip service. It's disgusting. Get over the "death wish defense" what a bunch of bullxxxx. Sorry, it's a pitiful excuse. What happend to the "great Navajo Nation" ???
ReplyDeleteSo disgusted, I may just have to disenroll myself as "Navajo"...
Is it the "DINE" way of life not to support you children?
ReplyDeleteWelcome to "Bilagaana's" way of life! I don't remember there being a "Supreme Court", let alone a "Family Court" in the "Dine way of life". I'm pertty certain those courts are attributed to the Bilagaana's way of life! Funny how the Navajo Nation Supreme Court finds it fitting to justify their decisions whenever it suits them... Bilaagnas one moment, Navajos the next! I once saw a bumper sticker that read, "Trust the Government? Ask an Indian!" If you ask me, that goes both ways! And Government was not clearly defined, white or otherwise! If the Navajo Nation was due a precentage of that backpay, I'm sure they would be quick to change their decision! Enough said!
ReplyDeleteI am not of the Navajo nation but of the Cherokee nation, but I have to say this: When is it ever acceptable to not take care of your children? When my grand parents and parents were growing up, family was always first. Seems to me the dead-beat men out there are letting the "white man's" values corrupt our homes. Whites have had a long history of impregnating women and leaving them with the child. Seems like our men are doing the same....Such a sad state the Native Nation is in.
ReplyDeleteWell, It all go back to taking advantage of others, where, who ever is in the position of power makes the desision for all, or some one that is knowledgeable, or maybe someone that sees both sides of the coin, everyone benefits the law makers and the the people that are involve and society gets improved. Everyone has given up in preserving there culture. Everyone around the world has taken the easy route. If the Nabeho's were building a world base on their culture and everyone is in agreement without outside interferance than you wouldn't be pointing fingers else where. It's a weakness of all human that corrupted the world.........
ReplyDeleteRuby is a STRONG woman and mother to have gone without financial support for so long, and I ADMIRE her. I do feel that she should be entitled to some compesation. We do not know the whole case behind this, she might not have had the support, knowledge and direction to persue this early in the separation. I am a responsible man and father to my family, and to me this guy is NOT MAN ENOUGH to take responsiblity for what he has done to his former wife and children. He needs to MAN-UP and take some resposibility, if the courts can not do it for him, then he needs to step up on a personal basis. And our Navajo Nation Court system needs to cleanup their act,and serve justice honorably!!!.
ReplyDeleteA responsible, and proud REZMAN.
Some of you chumps may not pay child support.., but I do! I am a man who has raised my child since he was 2 years old to this day without his mom. Not to brag or hear a woman tell me "so what women do it all of the time", but for the Child!!
ReplyDeleteOne more gross injustice of the law and another setback for women and children.
ReplyDelete