My ex got paid under the table by his parents' large family business, and used this to avoid child support for almost six years. This situation was kind of an open secret in our area. My ex's brother started doing the same thing a few years ago. It sucked, but there wasn't much I could do about it because I was broke and trying to tread water for my kids after the divorce.
My daughter and her two kids (boys, 7 and 9) recently moved in with us until she can get back on her feet. Her and the kid's dad (not married) had an acrimonious break up, and because she was working for his family business, she is now without a job. But she should be starting one in the next week or so. The house she was living in with him is owned by the business, so she had to move. The dad isn't paying much for child support and doesn't plan on paying more until "the courts decide the amount."
Jodie Turner-Smith and Joshua Jackson have settled their divorce, agreeing to waive spousal support while establishing monthly child support of $2,787 until their daughter turns 19.
We are talking about thousands of dollars that could have gone to food, clothing, doctor's appointments, or school supplies for the children - not just children, but their children.