So the $1500+$800=$2300, which is what I originally said. (I think) I get left with $2100 or so, but $1600 is for the house. I know people tell me to move, but unless I move to a different place with one bedroom, in which case the kids may not be able to stay with me, I’m still only down to $1200 a month in rent. If I refinance I can be down to almost that.
I’ve already reduced my retirement, and stopped putting in $110 a month, but only got an extra $70. That’s $40 a month I’m losing right there. My car, which was cheaper then most cars, is paid off. I don’t know why some people keep bringing it up.
I’m actually seeing my kids more now, I pick the oldest one up 4 times a week, and see them 3 times a week now instead of two.
How did you get the online calculator to work? When I entered my amounts it said it was too much. Do you have a link?
I wasn’t bringing up the car thing as against you, just stating some things that I had to do.
If you put 100K for you and your ex in, you are right, it says “too much, consult your lawyer” but I just lowered the amounts by enough to get a rough estimate.
And you are right, my kids are 7 and 6 and in school that is free now, so I don’t have day care and such to worry about.
Also, to the people who think the OP shoulda “manned up” or whatever and fought for custody, i do believe he is thinking of what’s best for all involved, and NOT just him.
I had custody of mine at first, but I spent 12 hours a day working and commuting. 12 hours which they had to spend in day care every day of the week. It just seemed to be better for them to stay with their mother and other family instead of day care. Plus, i am in the military and actually in Saudi Arabia right now for 2 years, so they are even better off now then they would be if I had fought for custody.
I live in Maryland and paid child support for 14 years for 2 kids. I think you might want to re-read the guidelines linked below as your (or your attys) math doesn’t sound quite right for shared custody given your wife’s income.
I understand your situation, but the reality you face is that you are going to have to substantially downscale your standard of living from where you are now. You will have to sell your house, and you will have to give up your 401K.All these things you are used to, and which you see as non-negotiable lifestyle requirements, are going to be in play whether you like it or not.
Anyone know the name of the woman who set up child support guidelines in a lot of US states – sort of like a Johnny Appleseed of child support guidelines. Yes, this is a serious question.
Here is a fairly good history of the evolution of US child support standards. It’s actually quite interesting reading. There is no one person listed in it as the main impetus for defining child support guideline standards. Possibly the references list at the end has the person you seek.
Or you didn’t read everything. The new guidelines went into effect today. My old payments would have been in the $900 range without the daycare, the current guidelines is now $1600 for me. Why would my lawyer screw me over?
Thanks, astro. It was the Family Support Act 1988 (Regan’s general welfare reform act) that was behind her doing the Johnny Appleseed thing with guidelines throughout many states. Darned if I can recall her name.