Giving father custody, wanting to know how they came up with childsupport amount

[WaMomma]

I am a young mother of two young girls. Ive been with my husband since I was 17 yrs of age. I have depended on him since that day. I am leaving our relationship and also giving him custody, as he is a fit parent. So far the divorce has been friendly. Visitation and assets decided by us. Supposedly he wanted to waive childsupport till I was on my feet and the judge imputed it apon me that I pay $291 a month thru the state. He said that it was the state average percentage of my age group(im 22). Im wondering how a person with no work background trying to get out on their own can be required to make these kinds of payments and get out on their own. I want to help support my children, but I dont want to trap myself into a constant struggle.

 

[AMomInNC]

First off: Be VERY sure this is what you want! Once you give up custody, it is TERRIBLY hard to get it back later "once you're on your feet".

You are very young, and I can almost guarantee you will change your mind later.

Get JOINT custody!

Sorry, no child support advice.

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~God gave me three angels!~

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by WaMomma:
I am a young mother of two young girls. Ive been with my husband since I was 17 yrs of age. I have depended on him since that day. I am leaving our relationship and also giving him custody, as he is a fit parent. So far the divorce has been friendly. Visitation and assets decided by us. Supposedly he wanted to waive childsupport till I was on my feet and the judge imputed it apon me that I pay $291 a month thru the state. He said that it was the state average percentage of my age group(im 22). Im wondering how a person with no work background trying to get out on their own can be required to make these kinds of payments and get out on their own. I want to help support my children, but I dont want to trap myself into a constant struggle.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


My response:

The court correctly used the "imputation" method to determine child support.

Even though you can't pay the monthly amount now, and I assume your ex-husband will not "press" you for it, it would be a wise move for you to use this time to obtain training in a profession. That way, you'll be able to follow the court orders once you've graduated from Career Training School.

Yes, you will rack up an arrearage during this time, and you will be required to pay that amount, including monthly child support.

So, move quickly, get into some sort of schooling, and get onto the road to recovery, both financially and emotionally.

IAAL


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