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Child support and getting on with your life.

Thetis's picture
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I was wondering if anyone has any experience with the affects of getting on with your life on child support.

If the CP has a new husband or wife will that lower the support?
If the NCP has a new husband or wife will that raise the support?

If the CP has another kid and their cost of living increases will this change anything?
If the NCP has another kid and their cost of living increases will this change anything?

If me and my to be DH had been married would that change the veiws on our relationship in the court? (It seemed to be that the judge had frowned on him relying on me to care for SD)

If me and my DH had another child, would this increase our chances of having more access? Possibly primary residency so SD could now our child?

melis070179's picture

Most of this depends on the state the child lives in. Having a new spouse and that spouses income doesnt change child support in most cases. Having other children may factor in, at least in most states, but its not usually a huge difference. You guys having a child will probably not have any weight in court when it comes to visitation of his child with BM.

"I child proofed my whole house, but they STILL get in!"

2Bloved's picture

What melis said. It depends on the state. in Oregon you get a credit for having nonjoint children. I believe it's about $900 towards your income. It doesn't affect it dramatically, but in some cases, the $50 a month for one child makes a difference. Also in Oregon, either parent getting married constitues a change in circumstance. Check your state guidelines.

Stepmom2Ched's picture

I believe CS is based on the income of both parties and a percentage that will be paid by both.

I know here in Arizona, if BM were to remarry before 12/1/09, she'd lose the spousal maintenance she gets. It's written that way in their divorce decree. The Child support continues because it's for the child. (there are 49 days left for spousal maintenance, but hey, who's counting?! ME ME ME ME!!)

Now since the BM has moved into her boyfriend's house (she SAYS it's only platonic, but I don't THINK so since they share a bedroom!), money she gets from the state has decreased. She used to get a discount on babysitting for my SS, but because she's not paying rent anymore, technically her 'expenses' have decreased and she doesn't qualify for the dscount babysitting anymore...of course she pitched a fit about THAT. My husband thought, "You ARE NOT paying ANY rent, saving BIG Money and you are complaining because you have to pay regular prices for babysitters, oh WAAAHHH)

I also know that here in Arizona, if the income for either parent changes by 15% or more, then a review for CS can be requested. Plus, when a child turns 12, there is a percentage that gets added for their 'teenage' needs, whatever THAT means!

I would check your local divorce/child support laws, because there might be a specific formula. You should be able to google it.

~*~Cheer up! It could be worse.
I cheered up, & it got worse!~*~

Orange County Ca's picture

What you have to keep in mind is that a parent has a obligation to support their children. If the parent decides to have more kids, get married or travel to the moon its all pretty much irrelevent.

If a person does not support their child then someone else has to. Usually that's the other parent but too often its the taxpayer. That's me and I don't want to support someone elses kid.

Lets switch this around. The Mom decides to get married and have another kid. Then she says to her ex "Oh I got more expenses with my other kid so I need more money to support our kid". Not very fair is it? It works both ways.

Frankly its time think of how to live your life while taking care of previous obligations.

I doubt if you two having a child would have any effect on visitation or custody of the first child.

*********************

It may be that 50 years from now the only important thing you did in this life is to be important in the life of a kid.

lovin_my_life's picture

I agree with the posts on here.

However, I will say that both parents have the job of financially supporting their children. They made them together, they both need to contribute. I've seen too many women who feel that it's always the mans job to be the one supporting all the kids and in some cases the ex....

If a DH remarries, the SM's income usually isn't factored in.

Another thing to look into is one's "Earning Potential". Basically if one is capable of working and making a decent living (college degrees, certificates etc) they should be activly seeking employment based on what they are capable of doing (example: BM had a degree in accounting and is a licensed massage therapist but wanted to work at Starbucks 2x's per week. She is capable of making good money but wanted to settle for a less paying job because it "seems really fun").

I suggest going to your local court and using their self help library.

Good Luck!

"I aint no Carol Brady"