Question:
My wife’s divorce lawyer sent me a copy of the proposed final divorce decree that has me paying significantly more child support than I currently am paying as required by our temporary orders.
If approved, that amount of child support would create a financial hardship and prevent me from dong the things I like to do with my children, such as taking them shopping or going to baseball games.
What should I expect at this preliminary hearing regarding the child support issues as I’m aware of the significant economic impact it could have on me?
Answer:
I am unable to give you legal advice on divorce. I can give general divorce help for men, though, my knowledge is based on Pennsylvania divorce and child support laws where I am licensed to practice.
In most states, child support is calculated pursuant to the state’s Child Support Guidelines. In my state, child support is strictly based on the parties’ net incomes.
The financial hardship incurred that you say will prevent you from doing extra activities with your child, such as shopping and going to sporting events, is generally not taken into consideration.
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However, in deciding whether to deviate from the amount of support determined by the Child Support Guidelines, other support obligations of the parties may be taken into consideration.
The Rules of Civil Procedure in my state allow the jduge to consider other support obligations in order to prevent unfairness that may arise due to your other financial obligations.
With that being said, I highly recommend that you seek advice from an attorney in your state as the child support laws may be different in your jurisdiction.
To arrange an initial consultation to discuss divorce rights for men with a Cordell & Cordell attorney, including Philadelphia Divorce Lawyer Ashley Weiner, contact Cordell & Cordell.