Child Custody Payments Unfair

[guitarjeff]

State of CA. Going through divorce after 16 years, 2 kids. Need some advice with what has happened in my negotiations with lawyers on what I have to pay monthly to my soon to be ex wife. I am not understanding how they come up with this mandated computer formula based on my salary. I grossed 89,000 last year, I happened to have alot of overtime last year and where I work overtime is now cut way back because of the economy, I told this to my lawyer, they calculated my gross monthly pay at 7,200 a month, which is high, when I take home maybe at the most 5,000 a month. I am ordered to pay 3,000 a month. I have 2 kids, 900 each which is 1,800 and because I have a wife that doesn't work I have to pay her alimony for 1200 which totals 3000.00. I have bills and feel I got an unfair payment here, I have talked to other people who make more than me and never had to pay this high, I am now can not live and pay rent with what is left over, just not right. Should I get a second opinion this seems like I got shafted with the maximum payment. I did not go to court because could not afford it and lawyer advised against it said I would loose. Another problem is they take out of my checks 500.00 a month for health benefits, I know I have to keep them on my heath plan until divorce, state law but why can't this be deducted from my monthly payment to drop to 2500?

JeffWhat is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

 

[Ohiogal]

State of CA. Going through divorce after 16 years, 2 kids. Need some advice with what has happened in my negotiations with lawyers on what I have to pay monthly to my soon to be ex wife. I am not understanding how they come up with this mandated computer formula based on my salary. I grossed 89,000 last year, I happened to have alot of overtime last year and where I work overtime is now cut way back because of the economy, I told this to my lawyer, they calculated my gross monthly pay at 7,200 a month, which is high, when I take home maybe at the most 5,000 a month. I am ordered to pay 3,000 a month. I have 2 kids, 900 each which is 1,800 and because I have a wife that doesn't work I have to pay her alimony for 1200 which totals 3000.00. I have bills and feel I got an unfair payment here, I have talked to other people who make more than me and never had to pay this high, I am now can not live and pay rent with what is left over, just not right. Should I get a second opinion this seems like I got shafted with the maximum payment. I did not go to court because could not afford it and lawyer advised against it said I would loose. Another problem is they take out of my checks 500.00 a month for health benefits, I know I have to keep them on my heath plan until divorce, state law but why can't this be deducted from my monthly payment to drop to 2500?

JeffWhat is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

Because you are also covered on the health benefits AND health insurance should also partially be considered in child support. Also, you may have other areas where you can cut what is coming out of your paycheck. Your taxes will decrease due to the fact that alimony is tax deductible to you and you may have to decrease the amount you are saving for retirement.