Child Support - Page 2

Gootsy · 08-23-2008, 11:50 AM

Where I live it's like 10 percent of pre tax income. The mom will not have to pay taxes on the child support, you will. Though things like extra-curricular activies, braces, and special expenses are added on to that.

Spousal support however can be written off by you. Where I am anyways.

Add me to list that says mediator = good. A friend told me that courts can turn too ugly too easily, and the parents lose sight of what's important (what's best for child), and turn to trying to inflict as much pain on eachother as possible.

Mary Webber · 08-24-2008, 07:04 AM

I, too, applaud your willingness to do what's in your child's best interests. You're rare!

I've been through that child support stuff and with now-grown children, may I give you some long-view advice. The situation right this minute is one thing, but it is highly likely to get far more complex - and to be honest, more contentious - as the child gets older.

You may marry, and whether you have more children or not, new obligations may make voluntarily supporting your first child increasingly difficult and stressful. NOT that the child will require or deserve any less support!

The child's mother may marry, and whether she has more children or not, her financial situation may change, making your financial contributions even more - or, yes, perhaps less - critical to your child's well-being. BUT...

One thing I can absolutely guarantee is that no matter what good people you both are, no matter how sincerely you both want to suppport your shared child, issues will arise, resolutions will become stickier, things can easily become adversarial... Court-ordered resolutions don't generally make anyone real happy I can assure you...

You really, really should have a lawyer or mediator help you and your child's mother understand and formalize your legal obligations now and for the future for EVRYONE's protection! Please!

King of Cheap · 08-24-2008, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mary Webber

I, too, applaud your willingness to do what's in your child's best interests. You're rare!

I second that. Too many people avoid that responsibility. You sound like a great person to have a beer with.

08-24-2008, 07:04 AM	#12
Mary Webber Family Thrift Counselor Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Maine Posts: 145 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Reputation: (27)	I, too, applaud your willingness to do what's in your child's best interests. You're rare! I've been through that child support stuff and with now-grown children, may I give you some long-view advice. The situation right this minute is one thing, but it is highly likely to get far more complex - and to be honest, more contentious - as the child gets older. You may marry, and whether you have more children or not, new obligations may make voluntarily supporting your first child increasingly difficult and stressful. NOT that the child will require or deserve any less support! The child's mother may marry, and whether she has more children or not, her financial situation may change, making your financial contributions even more - or, yes, perhaps less - critical to your child's well-being. BUT... One thing I can absolutely guarantee is that no matter what good people you both are, no matter how sincerely you both want to suppport your shared child, issues will arise, resolutions will become stickier, things can easily become adversarial... Court-ordered resolutions don't generally make anyone real happy I can assure you... You really, really should have a lawyer or mediator help you and your child's mother understand and formalize your legal obligations now and for the future for EVRYONE's protection! Please! __________________ Family Thrift Counselor - Get practical advice on how to save money and eat better.

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08-23-2008, 11:50 AM	#11
Gootsy Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 281 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Reputation: (24)	Where I live it's like 10 percent of pre tax income. The mom will not have to pay taxes on the child support, you will. Though things like extra-curricular activies, braces, and special expenses are added on to that. Spousal support however can be written off by you. Where I am anyways. Add me to list that says mediator = good. A friend told me that courts can turn too ugly too easily, and the parents lose sight of what's important (what's best for child), and turn to trying to inflict as much pain on eachother as possible.