I am a resident of CA. I have a 3 yr old son but I am not married to his mother. Since my son's birth I have paid child support to his mother in addition to incurring independent costs for his support. Since his birth I have been a full-time student, so my income has been limited. Nevertheless, for the first year of my son's life, I paid $200 per month. The second year $400, and now in his 3rd year I have been paying $600 per month. These amounts do not include additional expenses I incur on a monthly basis for various things: entertainment, clothing, food, etc. I have no formal agreement with his mother. I have never missed a payment. However, because I have limited income, I have been forced to supplement his support with my financial aid. This is putting a lot of pressure on me--particularly because of the interest I accrue on these funds, which raises the total value of payments I have been making.
My issue is this: how do I know that the amount of my payments to his mother is reasonable? How can I protect myself to ensure I continue to enjoy visitation rights? What if I have to reduce my monthly payments?
Currently, I see my son about twice a week. I have always held him out to my family, friends, etc. as my son. My name is on his birth certificate and he shares my last name.
Recently, I have had some friction with his mother. I am concerned that she will use our son as leverage to increase support payments.
Any advice would be appreciated.
My issue is this: how do I know that the amount of my payments to his mother is reasonable? How can I protect myself to ensure I continue to enjoy visitation rights? What if I have to reduce my monthly payments?
Currently, I see my son about twice a week. I have always held him out to my family, friends, etc. as my son. My name is on his birth certificate and he shares my last name.
Recently, I have had some friction with his mother. I am concerned that she will use our son as leverage to increase support payments.
Any advice would be appreciated.