Wanted to get married but has questions on fiance's child support payment

[jhing114]

What is the name of your state? Illinois

Hi! My fiance and I wanted to get married soon. He has a daughter from a previous relationship (not married) in which he is paying monthly for child support. I earn more financially than my fiance. My questions: if we're married, will the state also ask me to pay/contribute for the child support? Will the state compute the monthly support based on both me and my soon-to-be-husband's income? How can I prevent that from happening? I have a child of my own (I am a widow) and I wanted to save up for my son too. Please advise soon, my future with regards to marriage lays in the answers to my questions... thanks!

Jhing

[stealth2]

You're not responsible for supporting his kid. However, it would be wise for you not to comingle your assets/funds - if he gets into an arrearage situation, that money COULD be seized to satisfy his debt.

[jhing114]

Thanks for the prompt reply. My fiance and I live together and we combine both our paychecks which goes to my bank. From what I gathered from your reply, it wouldn't be a good idea, right? So it means that we have to have separate bank accounts then. Another thought: so it's possible that the State would compute his child support payment then according to our combined incomes? That would be so sad and uinfair just becoz I earn more and I need to save for our future too...

[stealth2]

No, your income won't come into play. But if you have comingled funds and he gets behind by enough, the state could seize any funds in joint accounts. They could also seize any tax returns. And if he hasn't any money to pay the arrears - and it's a significant amount - he could face other consequences. Then it would be your choice whether to bail him out or not.