What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? TX
Ex-girlfriend and I have a 6 month old daughter. We do not live together and both work full time, and baby resides with mother Monday to Friday, and is in daycare from 6am to 6pm. I then collect baby from daycare 6pm Friday and she stays with me through till Monday morning when I drop her at daycare.
Financially, I have been responsible for 100% of baby's expenses. Essentials such as Formula, diapers, wipes, food, clothing, etc and also furniture/toys (crib, bouncer, swing, bath soap. Baby is on mom's insurance as she has a better plan, but I reimbursed her via check each month. I also pay 100% of daycare costs.
This has all been conducted informally, although I have kept a paper trail through the use of checks, etc. There is also proof in the daycare sign in sign out log that I collect baby each Friday evening and sign her back in Monday morning.
Mom and I have now had a huge falling out and she wants to take me to Attorney General to get her "20%".
I also have sole custody of my two daughters from a previous relationship (both have been claimed as dependents on several years of tax returns).
My question is -- will my ex be able to have 20% of my wages deducted as child support as per Texas law? Does the fact that I have the child 3 days/2 nights per week constitute joint custody? And do my contributions to date (daycare, health insurance, supplies/needs) not show adequate proof that I AM providing for my child?
My worry is that what I'm paying now is doable, but the mandated 20%, together with my other life expenses (rent, car payment, bills) and needs of my other two children, it is going to leave me negative each month and financially in debt.
I was always of the assumption that child support was for deadbeat parents who refuse to pay or evens see their child. As I'm not guilty of either, it seems unfair that my ex has promised to make me an "ATM" out of spite and nothing more.
Any help is gratefully appreciated and accepted.
Ex-girlfriend and I have a 6 month old daughter. We do not live together and both work full time, and baby resides with mother Monday to Friday, and is in daycare from 6am to 6pm. I then collect baby from daycare 6pm Friday and she stays with me through till Monday morning when I drop her at daycare.
Financially, I have been responsible for 100% of baby's expenses. Essentials such as Formula, diapers, wipes, food, clothing, etc and also furniture/toys (crib, bouncer, swing, bath soap. Baby is on mom's insurance as she has a better plan, but I reimbursed her via check each month. I also pay 100% of daycare costs.
This has all been conducted informally, although I have kept a paper trail through the use of checks, etc. There is also proof in the daycare sign in sign out log that I collect baby each Friday evening and sign her back in Monday morning.
Mom and I have now had a huge falling out and she wants to take me to Attorney General to get her "20%".
I also have sole custody of my two daughters from a previous relationship (both have been claimed as dependents on several years of tax returns).
My question is -- will my ex be able to have 20% of my wages deducted as child support as per Texas law? Does the fact that I have the child 3 days/2 nights per week constitute joint custody? And do my contributions to date (daycare, health insurance, supplies/needs) not show adequate proof that I AM providing for my child?
My worry is that what I'm paying now is doable, but the mandated 20%, together with my other life expenses (rent, car payment, bills) and needs of my other two children, it is going to leave me negative each month and financially in debt.
I was always of the assumption that child support was for deadbeat parents who refuse to pay or evens see their child. As I'm not guilty of either, it seems unfair that my ex has promised to make me an "ATM" out of spite and nothing more.
Any help is gratefully appreciated and accepted.