Change of circumstance and 'additional costs'

[doctorchops]

Hi guys,

I'm in California and just got a drastic pay-cut. I can barely afford the mortgage and child support. My ex has always included 'additional costs' on top of that child support, the most expensive of this being a nanny, which I have been splitting with her. The mother has the kids Monday-Friday and I do not use that nanny. I can now not afford to split the cost of that nanny with her and have told her so and she is threatening to hire a lawyer etc

In the divorce papers it says:
A. Parities mutually agree that respondent pay petitioner child support $(fixed amount) for support.
B. All reasonable and necessary extra activity costs, child care costs etc shall be equally shared by the parties.

Will I be forced to continue to pay for this nanny even though the wording is slightly ambiguous and my salary has decreased drastically?

Thanks!
doctorchops
First Post

Posts: 1
Joined: Tue Feb 27, 2018 5:10 pm

 

[not2cleverRed]

Hi guys,

I'm in California and just got a drastic pay-cut. I can barely afford the mortgage and child support. My ex has always included 'additional costs' on top of that child support, the most expensive of this being a nanny, which I have been splitting with her. The mother has the kids Monday-Friday and I do not use that nanny. I can now not afford to split the cost of that nanny with her and have told her so and she is threatening to hire a lawyer etc

In the divorce papers it says:
A. Parities mutually agree that respondent pay petitioner child support $(fixed amount) for support.
B. All reasonable and necessary extra activity costs, child care costs etc shall be equally shared by the parties.

Will I be forced to continue to pay for this nanny even though the wording is slightly ambiguous and my salary has decreased drastically?

Thanks!
doctorchops
First Post

Posts: 1
Joined: Tue Feb 27, 2018 5:10 pm

I suspect it would depend on the ages of the kids and her work schedule.

That said, there are many mothers of school age children who don't have nannies.

 

[stealth2]

Much will also depend on the reason behind your pay cut.

 

[HRZ]

A major reduction in pay suggests a review of your overall fact pattern by competent counsel ....SOON ..any reductions are unlikely to be retroaction ..so if an action makes sense..get it underway,,soon.

PS many a parent has a very demanding work schedule AND commute all without a nanny!

 

[stealth2]

The number & ages of children, the hours care is needed, availability/cost of alternate care, etc. will all factor into whether you should rock the boat or not. I'd do some research, crunch the numbers, discuss with lawyer first.