My soon-to-be ex says it's 15% total, and that his offer for around 18% is extremely generous. My mom says that's the standard per child, not for both children.
Also, he wants to directly pay certain bills, instead of giving me the money. I'm actually okay with that, because I am REALLY bad at managing money. However, I'm a little worried that he would just consider his child support payments would be smaller if the different things he's paying for go down in cost.
He's offering to pay my rent, provided it's not over a certain amount, my car payment (same stipulation) and one of the preschool/afterschool payments a month, and the kids will stay on his health insurance policy. If I trade in my car for a cheaper model, move to a cheaper apartment, remarry or when the preschool/afterschool tuition payments drop, he would be paying less child support.
Advise?
2007-11-16 06:16:57 · 11 answers · asked by CrazyChick 7 in Family & Relationships ➔ Marriage & Divorce
Should I push for something like "You pay for these things, OR a dollar amount or percentage in the event the current costs go down"?
2007-11-16 06:18:02 · update #1
Ya know what, I'm not going to complain about it.
I just calculated it, and the amount he's offering is about $110 more a month than what he would probably actually have to pay.
I will push him to have a set amount, though, so that his part in financially supporting the kids does not change with the circumstances.
2007-11-16 06:41:24 · update #2
Since child support is supposed to be for the children, not the spouse, it shouldn't depend on all these various contingencies- remarrying, moving, etc. It also can't really be negotiated away by anyone either because it belongs to the children.
Most states have a chart which you can look at to determine the proper amount of child support based on his income and the number of children. Check out your state's child support web site for info. or check with the clerk of court or child support enforcement agency. Or, pay a lawyer for a consulation to see what the law is where you live. Don't hire him to go to court over it- just pay the consultation fee- it's a lot cheaper.
That said, it's good that you two are trying to work things out, rather than wasting your time, energy and money fighting over things like many ex-spouses. And if you are ok with him paying the bills directly, great. I think the amount should be set though- a certain amount of dollars so that it is clear how much he is supposed to pay.
2007-11-16 06:27:46 · answer #1 · answered by Ron L 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Who is telling you this????
Child support is based on need.
All these factors are taken into consideration
-His gross pay per month
-Your gross pay per month
-His time share with the kids (the more he sees them the less he pays.)
-both of your deductions, health insurance and IRA's
It usually comes out to about 25% of the non-custodial parents income if you are weekend and one half of holidays parent.
He has to by law keep the kids on his insurance. He does not have a choice. So don't make him think he is doing you a favor!
He has to pay for one half of child care. This is not child support!!!! This is also by law and he does not have a choice.
Whether you re-marry or not has no bearing on how much he pays for his children's child support.
I have seen people make this arraingment before and sooner or later the light gets shut off because the bill was higher than usual.
Your best bet is getting the money and paying your bills on the web as soon as you get your child support. Plus, make sure he pays you what is expected of him. Don't let him lie and make you think your getting a good deal when it is really a raw one! Good Luck.
P.S. You should also look into spousal support
2007-11-16 14:30:05 · answer #2 · answered by Cali Girl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It all depends on what state you live in. Here in NY the standard child support for one child is 17%, and for 2 children it is 28% I believe. If you can handle it out of court and have it in writing that would be great. If you don't get it in writing then he can just one day not pay your rent, your bills, and your car payment. Then where are you going to be? You have to think of your child first. Do you have a job? If not I would get one, and see if he makes good on his promise, and if he don't then you can pay your own bills and not have to worry about him paying them. Are you and this guy married? If you are then I would serriously get a lawyer and take him to court, you would get alot more out of him that way. BIg thing is to GET IT IN WRITING, THAT WILL AT LEAST STAND UP IN ANY COURT,EVE IF ONE DAY HE STOPED PAYING. Good luck to you, and I would look it up. Go to your local Familt Court, and they should be able to direct you in the right direction. You can alos go to Family court.com and see how much it is per child. I hope I helped you. God Bless you and your child.oh he might be just offering you this deal because it would be the cheaper way out. I would look into it if I were you.
2007-11-16 14:30:37 · answer #3 · answered by kandie w 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its in the best interest of BOTH of you to go through the courts. This is for your protaction and his. The schedule for calculating support is based on the state and what they do is combine BOTH your incomes and then factor in insurance and a couple other factors and then if he provides lets say 60% of the combines income then based on the figure the states has he will pay 60% of what they deem is right for 2 kids. Google your state family support services and find out the calculation and then you’ll know.
2007-11-16 14:26:32 · answer #4 · answered by Slick 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
DO NOT- I REPEAT DO NOT LET HIM DO THAT!!
I have gone through this and I have also gone through this with my ex fiance's baby-mama (we both have kids with him and neither of us are with him now- us moms are still friends). GO through the court system!!! At any point in time he can get mad at you and not stick to his end of the "bargin" and then where does that get you?? Up crap creek without a paddle!!
Next- each state varies on their support policy. In MN it is a certain percent for 1 child and another for 2 kids (with the same person). Last time I checked she was getting around 30% for the 2 kids. I am now in NJ and it is based differently. They calculate your finances and bills and his finances and bills a lot more closely- but I am getting about $300/mo- for one kid- off his $14/hr job.
Good luck and STAND YOUR GROUND- IN COURT!!
2007-11-16 14:24:05 · answer #5 · answered by missgabbieh 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Go througt the courts, they will take both of your incomes and set the child support rate with that. If he is offering to pay for your rent I would get that in writing as well.
2007-11-16 14:22:31 · answer #6 · answered by Felani Perez 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you go to court, the judge mostly decides the percentage of the child support. THe child support should be able to help you with certain things.
2007-11-19 12:24:40 · answer #7 · answered by Pauly W 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends where you live. Here in British Columbia, there is a standard guide that is based on HIS income and the number of children. If his income goes up, I get more.
2007-11-16 14:27:46 · answer #8 · answered by Cheekygrl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your filing through the courts then he can't 'offer' you anything. It is a set amount. But if you can handle it out of court then I would take his offer b/c it sounds like a sweet deal.
2007-11-16 14:20:28 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
25% of the wages in Florida and Georgia
2007-11-16 14:35:03 · answer #10 · answered by Back W 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋