I have been divorced for 5 years, I have custody of our 4 children. The courts have finally ordered the dad to pay child support in the amount of $442.00 a month. There dad is making about $35,000 a year. Ithink that seems a little low, 4 kids are very expensive, What do u think?
2006-12-28 06:23:24 · 11 answers · asked by Snowbunny 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Marriage & Divorce
Well in doing the math that comes to just over 5,000 a year--and really that's not too bad--You didn't say if you were employed or if he has health coverage for the children--and if he does that comes out of his check every payday--and when he has the children he is spending money then too--but not knowing all the details you left out makes it hard to say --so in making an assumption that you also work and he has health coverage--then I think 110.00 a month per child is fair--that is to cover clothing and food etc. And also going to say that he has to provide a home for them to come visit --so he has his expenses too--and 35,000 a year (gross I presume) is not allot to live on these days --he is having to file single and no dependents--if he is not remarried --so they take out maximum tax's too--Now don't feel like I am siding with your ex and the courts decision--its just sometimes we fail to put ourselves in another shoes --and in this case its better to receive something than nothing at all--be thankful --
2006-12-28 06:44:46 · answer #1 · answered by skizzle-d-wizzle 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Child support is not all the same in all states but it is usually based on the Payors Income. With this income your ex has, $442.00 per month for 4 kids is ridiculous. He should probably be paying about 3 times this amount miniimum. You need to get a lawyer, try legal aid and take him back to court for more child support immediately.
2006-12-28 06:29:04 · answer #2 · answered by galydee 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Where do you live?? That is how much I pay for two children and make way less that $35,000 a year. You can request a modification of the amount you just have to put it into writting and send it to you child support agency. It also might be because he was not truthful with the judge about his income or you could be just happy that you are getting something from him, there are alot of dead beat dads and moms out there.
2006-12-28 06:30:34 · answer #3 · answered by twinki 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It all depends on what he makes and what you make. 35,000 a year by yourself isn't much to live off of. Maybe you make more than he does or almost as much? I know in PA, they have calculations that take his income and living expenses and your income and living expenses into account before handing out the final payment. I'm not saying it's wrong or right, but many women milk the system (they collect child support, welfare, WIC, live in public housing and sit on their fat asses all day) while the husband works his butt of just to be able to live and make his support payments.
If you think it's unfair, find out when you can refile (in PA you can refile every 6 months) and maybe look into getting an attorney, but don't get your hopes up.
Also find out if he can be held responsible for any other expenses, some states make the non-custodial parent pay for half of the child care (day care) costs, on top of the support payment. Maybe look into that and get a job if you don't already have one.
2006-12-28 06:30:52 · answer #4 · answered by lookinforanswers 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you should be happy with getting 442 a month. I get 12 a month for 1 child. Don't forget he needs to pay his bills as well as what he's paying for you. He doesn't get any money to help him as he does for you. Plus, how do you expect your kids to enjoy a day or 2 with their father if all of his extra money goes to you? Don't bad mouth the father around those kids. Let them have a happy relationship with their father. I'm not trying to sound snotty, it's just how it is. You're getting 1/4 of his pay, plus the IRS get's 1/3 of his pay, not leaving him with much. Yes I think that's fair. You can always look for extra help through him on the side if he's willing to, or, turn to other family. Or, do what other women do, get a job or a 2nd job to help pay those bills. Keep your bills low. Don't overspend, budget your money better, and you'll be ok.
2006-12-28 06:32:34 · answer #5 · answered by born2bfree 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, I get paid $50 every 6 months in a Ralphs certificate. LOL Budget your $ well and do what Diane A says, keep reviewing it to make sure your kids aren't getting cheated..
2006-12-28 06:33:59 · answer #6 · answered by gone from here too 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That IS low. A friend of mine pays $700.00 a month for 2 kids and I know he makes less than 30k a year.
2006-12-28 06:27:29 · answer #7 · answered by AsianPersuasion :) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually you are getting a pretty good deal. Make sure that you get to have the child support reviewed often to stay in line w/ his raises.
2006-12-28 06:27:19 · answer #8 · answered by Diane A 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well that does not seem like alot but then again you could be me my childrens father got ordered to pay 32.00 a week for 2 children that doesnt even cover their school lunch. and he does not even pay that he has paid me childsupport for one year of their life and they are 12 and 11 years old.
2006-12-28 06:29:00 · answer #9 · answered by littlereddragon 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's 17% of his income for child support. Every couple of years you can get it readjusted for cost of living.
2006-12-28 06:37:57 · answer #10 · answered by aQTinMVny 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋