Understanding Tennessee's Income Shares Child Support Guidelines
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In 2004, Tennessee introduced a new way of calculating Child Support called Income Shares, which means that, instead of using a flat rate percentage of a NonCustodial Parent's income, both parents' incomes are used in the calculation allowing for an more equitable share of support from both parents.
At the time of this writing, the new income shares model has been in effect for almost four (4) years; however, the Tennessee Child Support Guidelines have since been updated (as of June 2006) to provide even more specification on how income shares model is to be calculated.
Despite the duration of this child support model being in effect, there is still a great deal of confusion on exactly how it works by those who must endure the child support process.
The following is the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Tennessee's Child Support Guidelines. This is being written from a layperson's point of view, yet written from a perspective of someone who has learned a great deal about Tennessee's Child Support system through years of trial and error. While I hope this serves as a guide to understanding the system, it is always best to seek the advice of an attorney when involved in a civil matter.
- What is a Primary Residential Parent (PRP) and an Alternative Residential Parent? Unless an alternative custodial arrangement is reached, Tennessee has a presumption of joint custody in an initial proceeding. However, even in cases where the child(ren) spend 50 percent of the time with each parent, there will be a designated PRP and ARP.
In cases where time with the child(ren) is not split 50/50, the PRP will be the parent with whom the child spends the majority of the time. The ARP is the parent previously address by Tennessee as the NonCustodial parent.
- What if one parent does not work? Will the other parent be responsible for 100% of the support calculated? There are provisions in place to allow the imputing of a parent's income when they are willfully unemployed or underemployed. Most often this is done by using an average of past income or, in some instances, basing it on one's ability to earn if they have a degree or additional training in a career field.
In order to impute a parent's income, the parent requesting this action should ask that the Court require the unemployed or underemployed parent to submit their W-2s and Income Tax Returns from the past three (3) years Income Tax Returns. If the unemployed parent has been out of the work force for more than three (3) years, the unemployed parent should be requested to submit the same items from their last three (3)years of employment.
Keep in mind, however, that Tennessee specifically states that they value the role of the stay at home parent; and while most stay at home parents will still have their income imputed, at least at minimum wage, if the stay at home parent was such during the course of the marriage/relationship, they may not be required to count any income at all.
For Court of Appeals cases pertaining to this subject see Willis v. Willis, Webb v. Webb, Coates v. Coates, Halpern v. Halpern, Glinstra v. Glinstra
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What if the parent that is required to pay support draws SSI or is otherwise disabled? SSI cannot be used to determine child support. However, most receiptents of SSI are able to obtain benefits for their dependent children. You will need to speak with your attorney or Child Support Enforcement Caseworker on how to ensure the benefits are obtained and that the receiving parent is receiving the payments directly as a form of child support.
If the paying parent is currently receiving workmen's compensation due to an injury at work, you will need to talk with your attorney or CSE Caseworker on how a judgment, for past and present support, can be obtained against any future awards.
- How do we determine the number of days spent with each parent? Following the initial enactment of the income shares guidelines, there was a vast amount of confusion about what actually constituted a "day." When the guidelines were revised in 2006, it contained a specification for credit days spent with the child(ren) to the parents; specifically: "A 'day' is now defined as more than twelve (12) hours of a twenty-four (24) hour period. This is a change from the prior rule that had defined a "day" as the majority of a twenty-four (24) hour calendar day. This new definition includes either a daytime period, or an overnight period." (Source: Tennessee Department of Human Services)
A paying parent that is spending less than 68 days per year with the child[ren] will see an increase added to their support based on the number of days, fewer than 69, that the child is in his/her physical care. This is added into addition to the Basic Child Support Obligation (BCSO0 total.
On the other hand, if a parent spends 92 days or more with the child[ren], that parent receives additional credit for parenting.
In cases of 50/50, often referred to as Shared Parenting, a formula is applied to allow for an equitable adjustment.
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I am ordered to pay child support for another child. Will that payment be taken into consideration? Yes. As long as that support obligation has remained current for the past twelve (12) months, you will be given credit for that obligation.
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Proof of payment is required to receive this credit. Accepted evidence includes canceled checks or money orders or a printed payment history from the Court Clerk or CSE.
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I am remarried and have another child. Will this child be counted when figuring child support? Yes, Tennessee provides a credit for what is called "In Home" children (up until age 18 or high school graduation, whichever comes later) that reside with you 50% of the time or more.
Proof of "In Home" children includes Social Security Number and/or Birth Certificate.
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I am remarried and help support stepchildren. Will I receive credit for the support of my stepchildren? No. Stepchildren do not qualify for a credit when calculating child support. There is a presumption that they are, or should be, part of another child support order for which a parent has already received credit.
If you are the stepparent to a child who is not receiving support from one or more of their parents, you must take separate action to enforce or obtain support orders for them.
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I am remarried. Will my new spouse's income be considered in determining the child support amount? No. A new spouse's income is not applicable to calculating child support.
There is an exception, however. If a nonworking parent currently exhibits such a lifestyle that exceptionally exceeds that within reason, a paying parent may ask the Court to take the new spouse's income into consideration. This is very rarely done, but not impossible.
For Court of Appeals cases pertaining to this subject see Jarrett v. Cross, Tinnin v. Stamps
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We both carry insurance coverage on the child, but only I was ordered to do so. Will only one or both of us receive credit? Both. Any parent that is maintaining insurance on a child can receive credit for the child's portion of the premium. For example, if the cost for family coverage is $50 per month and five people are covered on the insurance, a total of $10 is credited; or, in the alternative, if the insurance company specifies each person's share of the premium, a statement of such can be submitted to receive credit for the amount specified.
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What are considered special and/or extraordinary expenses? Special and/or extraordinary expenses are considered those which are above and beyond the things considered covered by child support; which are, in most cases food, clothing, shelter, utilities, transportation, entertainment, etc. Expenses associated with things such as sports, band, summer camp, private school that "do not otherwise qualify as mandated expenses like health insurance premiums or work-related child care costs" (Source Tennessee Child Support Guidelines) are considered to fall into the special/extraordinary category.
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My ex and I were ordered to pay one-half (1/2) of any uninsured medical expenses. When I use the calculator to determine Child Support, it calculates my portion at more than half. What can I do to correct this? If an order has not been entered to specifically divide these expenses based on income, you should contact your attorney or CSE caseworker for information on how to correct this.
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What is covered under the Basic Child Support Obligation (BCSO)? The BCSO is the minimum amount considered to the paying parents portion of expenses such as food, shelter, utilities, transportation and some clothing and entertainment while in the receiving parents care.
The BCSO does take into consideration these same costs when the child is the paying parents care.
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How frequently can child support be modified? Tennessee allows for modification of child support if there has been a change of circumstances such as loss of a job, birth or adoption of a qualify child, signifcant increase of income, and application of public assistance. Other circumstance may apply, so check with your attorney or CSE caseworker to see if you qualify for a modification if you feel you have experienced a change of circumstances.
In addition, any cases that are administrated by CSE (Title IV-D agency) are required to be reviewed for modification every four (4) years. -
Does Tennessee allowing for a Cost of Living adjustment to child support? Not at this time. However, plans to allow for a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) are underway at the time of this writing.
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Who can apply for Child Support Enforcement services and is there a fee? Any parent or guardian of a child[ren] with a current child support matter can apply for services. A $25.00 per year fee may be charged for services depending on your past and current public assistance status.
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Where can I find the calculator Tennessee uses to calculate child support? The web-based calculator is available for download at Tennessee Department of Human Services website.
I hope this guide has helped you better understand the Tennessee Child Support income shares model. Please remember that this article is not legal advice and should not be used as a substitution for same. Any time you are involved in a civil dispute, you should seek the services of a qualified professional such as your attorney or Child Support Enforcement caseworker.
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Comments
I disagree, Shannon. As a custodial mother who receives CS and also the wife of a noncustodial father who pays, I think this model is fair to everyone. The model does take into account all the things you say that it doesn't. And, as a matter of fact, a mother can choose to be a SAHM; however, her income will simply be imputed either at minimum wage or her ability to earn. BOTH parents have a responsiblity to support their children financially. I personally hope to see the remaining states that don't offer income shares to convert to it.
Its very interesting and great hub you introduced for all. Its a good guide for all from your hub.
child support- My ex-husband is tring to get out of paying expences for our daughter. Is accurate that he pay for half her tutorign wich is 40.00 weekly and childcare with is 160.00 monthly. He also will not pay half of the medical bills and I have to pick up the full load. I have contacted him several times and set photo of all expences but still I have no reponce. He also some how got the # of days put on the parenting plan that he has her 159 days and he only has her 119 days. I do not feel this is right. He should pay for the days that he only has her. Is there anything I can do about this?
Tanya, there is not any difference on the support paid between 119 days and 159 days; so maintaining any type logs or even arguing the issue will not be beneficial to you.If he is Court ordered to pay half of her tution and childcare, then you can pursue collection through Child Support Enforcement or by filings your own petition with the Court for enforcement. Double check your Court order, however, and make sure that these expenses are listed seperately as they are often included in the child support amounts. Same with medical bills, or other expenses.
What if the child is permanantly disabled, over 18 and is receiving close to $2000.00 monthly as his income, should the non custodial parent get to use this as part of the childs monthly expenses? The law only says "the court coulld give lifetime child support to a disabled child if the court rules it is necessary". Why can i not find anything on this. The child's income should be a factor in this. Can anyone point me in the right direction please?
I agree with Shannon up top, that the Income model does not represent the true situation. My wife and I have one child and one step-son that I helped raise. She had an affair, left town, re-married, came back. She gets to deduct my step-son, and I do not. I am living on my own, taking care of my son, and my home, by myself. Now, if I think it's fair to share my child for his development, but now I will have to pay my former wife child support because of the income descrepancy. Which in and of itself may be fair, but now, she has the income of another man in her life. Why do I need to subsidize their life? Why is the State of Tennesse trying to force me to get married to someone who can also bring in another income to make the situation fair?
I believe this model is intended to make living arrangements fair for mothers who's husband (primary income producer) has left them and got re-married.
All I ask is for the State of TN to take this into account. In other words, if she had an affair with a physician, we shared time with our son 50/50, I would still have to pay child support?
2009, 3 years out, the calculator has undergone 3 majot "amendments" all focusing on "the best interest of the child". Modifications and deviations that have yet to be followed because it is left to the court. Poverty increases because of the calculator and no one is talking about it!!!!!
This system is patently unfair to me and my 3 children. My ex-husband had repeated affairs and finally left for good. My income reduced by 38% when he left. His income is still more than mine by a good 20K, and he is taking care of one person (himself). I am taking care of 4 people, me and three kids. Why do they not consider things such as adultery, whether or not both parties want to be divorced and how drastic the lifestyle of the children will change with such a dramatic drop in income?
A lot of this CS jive talk gets confusing. I think it would be nice if these laws were more simplistic. So everyone knew the what the hell they were talking about.
The calculator can be manipulated to create an advantage of one party over another. There are guidelines that are to be followed when filling out the calculator. Considering the number of times the state of TN continues to bring them to the forefront in the form of rules and amendments. Mr. Randy York filled out my last calculator. He did not add in the ordered uninsured medical expenses, he used an insurance premium that at one time had 9 people on it, and he did not list any of the educational and special expenses that were brought up in court. He erased 38,400.00 in arrears and lowerd my childrens support by more than half. He was appointed District Attorney General, yet still represented this private client. He created a severe economic hardship for the children. They can forget their previous standard of living except for the reminder during visitation, their Father's lifestyle is a reminder of what they once enjoyed. Now because of his adult choices they have to pay the price. The calculator is only as fair as the person putting in th enumbers to be calculated. Fair, Randy York is not.
my ex wife got pregnant by another man.the state refuses to help her with this child unless she fixes the cs order were they deduct the money out of my check instead of me paying her every week like ive done for the past 3 years.What does my cs have to do with the DBD that got her pregnant.this interferes with me paying her early if the kids need something.why does the state want to be involved.
Is the cost of living for each parent taken into account when calculating child support? What if the custodial parent lives in a place with a low cost of living and the ARP lives in a place with a high cost of living? On paper, they make more, but in reality, with the high cost of living, its not that much.
Sandy, the cost of living is not taken into consideration when calculating child support. However, you must also remember that the CS calculations are based on a lower cost of living. So, in essence, it all balances out.
Can I ask you guys your opinion on something: should we be paying for half of the tuition to my stepdaughters private school in addition to regular monthly CS? What are your thoughts? We are not under the income share model but a staright percentage....thoughts?
Is the tution Court ordered? If not, then paying any amount towards tutions is strictly optional.
Can it be ordered that CS be paid while the child attends college? Also, If the child is 16, will the court make the child have visitations against their will.
In Tennessee, child support cannot, as of this date, be ordered for college without both parents agreeing to it.
Until the child has reached the age of 18, a parent can enforce their parenting time as Ordered. And if one parent fails to enforce the parenting time for the other parent (such as encouraging or allowing the child not to go), they can be held in contempt of a Court order. It should also be noted that one parent's unwillingness to help the other parent exercise their parenting time can be grounds for a change of custody.
However, what I would recommend is that parents attempt to work together to realize the life of a teenager and work out other arrangements for parenting time. While a child should not stop visiting, parents should also consider the busy life a teen leads.
i think its a trip on how men that pay there support on a reg. are the ones who these laws affect. men who are not paying are allowed to go free & do as they please. child support laws need to be reworked. there is a diffrence between child support & keeping the custodial parent in the latest fashion trends. the courts dont care if you have other children or a family. its a shame if you want to do something with your other child from another relationship but you cant because your paying for another one. the courts & the parent with custody of the child only care about how much you will be paying.
Most child support amounts, especially in Tennessee, do not even keep the children in the latest fashion trends; much less the child(ren). Compared to Tennessee's old child support guidelines, which were a flat rate percentage, these laws are beneficial to the men AND women who pay child support. And, as a matter of fact, these laws do take subsequent children into account. Quite frankly, anyone paying child support should consider whether they can afford to have more children BEFORE they do so instead of relying on a government entity to do so. (And this goes for those receiving as well. In other words, a receiving parent should not have more children expecting that will affect child support for children from previous relationships.)
You are correct. This model is extremely unfair to the custodial parent. The non custodials had more time to lobby while the custodials woeked and cared for the children. The calculator continues to morph as the child poverty level increases. The resounding element in the guidelines since the "emergency guidelines" of 2005, "it is not our intention to rteduce the standadrd of living of the children", the "best interest of the children", and the fact that there are RULES that have to, well should be, followed prior to changing the child support/ Also, the support cannot be changed if it :"impairs the PRP from maintaining housing..." In other words, my Dr. ex husband cannot, or should not be able to simply reduce his support on a whim. Unfortunately, the parent with the money has the better lawyer and usually get the calculator tipped in their favor. The calculator is crooked, it is only as honest as the individual putting in the numbers. Our country went to war for less than this, yet we just coast along taking what we are dealt...The "CALCULATOR" increases single parent poverty and child dependence on the system. The "median" income used to imput income in the ubderemployed (or arrested) parent is $30,000.00. What middle class. average Tennessean, making minimum wage makes that? I would love, yes LOVE, for Virginia Lodge to come to my home, and raise my 4 children on the calculator.... She is deteremined that the calculator works, at the expense of our children.
I agree with you kim. Great blog.
I would be happy to give you some actual numbers, and you can tell me if this is fair.
My salary per year: 33K. I reentered the workforce after my ex committed repeated adultery and finally left for good. I was darned lucky to get this much since I had been away for so long as a SAHM.
My ex's yearly salary for the last two years: 80K
Number of children: 3
His child support obligation: $16,728 per year.
So he gets just under 64K to support ONLY HIMSELF.
I get 49K including my salary and child support to support me AND three children including nearly 8K in childcare costs yearly, so I can work. When and how am I supposed to save for retirement and my children's college fund?
That's add in the cost of legal bills that I incurred when he fought me for custody to avoid paying child support at all. Nevermind that I was at home raising kids for 9 years while he was out nailing his coworkers. He had the right to nearly bankrupt us with this craziness.
Now, let's add the cost of my limited income due to having to rearrange my schedule to care for our youngest who has autism spectrum disorder.
I have cut the budget to bare bones. I tried to sell my house to buy a cheaper one but no one bought it, and my ex demanded I refinance it as part of the divorce agreement. Nevermind that my children should not have to move because their dad put his genitals before their care. (the court doesn't seem to look much at morals. )Child support does not include "extras" such as sports or sports equipment. I have had to scrimp and save to cover these things.
My only hope left is that someday he will have to answer for what he has done to our children to either God or to him personally. That the state finds this allowable is disgusting to me.
none of the links work on here...... you need to fix your sight if you are going to offering advice.
404 Error - on occasion servers will be down and will create a 404 error. Secondly, at times, documents are moved - I do not have time to stay on top of every single one of them. Third, less than half of the links in this article are experiencing difficulty. Lastly, if you feel so strongly about the information, don't read it or go elsewhere. And, before you criticize my submissions, you may want to check your own: it is "site" not "sight."
Melissa, You are right. It is not fair. The calculator works for lower incomes. Higher income primary parents are consistently penalized. The calculator is designed to fail you.
The significant variance will always be present and cause a reduction in child support because it is based on the presumptive or BCSO before deviations.The higher income family will always have deviations. They will not be considered until the significant variance is met. The support is reduced and the deviations are not considered. The high income parent paying support will receive relief and the child will suffer.
If you go fill in the calculator with different comparable numbers of the ARP having a higher income you will always get the same result. If the ARP is in a lower bracket it is fair. The higher income ARP has the finances to lobby. That is why they get the break. That enslaves the PRP to working two jobs, caring for the children, etc... Leaving no time to blog, rant, and lobby for change. It is inivitable slavery producing generations of government dependent citizens.
The middle income ARP should be furious. They are not getting that kind of financial break. They are working to support TWO or more families while the high incomes get an increase in their personal spending money.
My children's support was cut by 75%. My support requirement is now 100%. The children's step father pays 100%. The children's father pays 11%. He has $8,000 per month to spend. The children get $1,586.00/month and insurance. His car note is $940.00/month.... I make 1,500.00/month and pay $1,500.00/month.
The Calculator is a failure, it does not work. Look at the State poverty rate and increase in government dependence. The significant variance has been addressed many times, even in emergency rules, because the attorney's do not even know about it and do not apply it.
Considering the current state of the economy, I do not think that it is fair to look at government dependence. Irregardless of custodial status, many are on assistance programs - it is nothing to do with CS guidelines.
And the program, at this time, is still relatively new. There have already been numerous changes made and we will undoubtedly see more admendments, etc. over the course of the next few years.
One of the things that will be occuring with more frequency is the opportunity for 50/50 custody. While this is not the presumption (yet) in Tennessee, is it now an option for those who feel they have an ARP that is not contributing enough to the child{ren} financially or otherwise.
I have to be honest....I have difficulty having sympathy for someone raising children 3 children on $49k per year in Tennessee (even if he is making $64k/year for him - which, isn't 100% true because he has expenses when the children are with him). We are a relatively low cost of living state. Add to it the obvious bitterness and unwillingness to let go of the past and I essentially tuned out. (Btw, this is from a woman who has been on the receiving end of a cheater - so I do "get" it)
It is this exact kind of attitude that will keep the battle between the sexes alive. We all need to work together to try to make it (more) fair.
Melissa, No that is not fair. There is nothing fair about the calculator. It is designed to create poverty and government dependence. The BCSO is calculated BEFORE deviations, that will always create a significant variance,lowering the support. My ex gets 9,876.00 per month tax free, he pays $1,596.00/month for 4 children and insurance that is extremely high because he has 2 families on it and let it lapse, so the children have to suffer that consequence with decreased support and increased premium. There are rules that are not factored into the calculator. They can help you increase or decrease your support. They are usually not followed, only the entries into the calculator are factored.
Kim, I like your site but I have to disagree. The poverty rate has increased since the inception of the calculator in 2004. Go to my website, there is a timeline of the calculator with amendments and changes. Energency rules have been released and continue to be ignored by the powers that be. The calculator is getting more balanced for the middle income family and less balanced for the higher income family. Melissa's ex falls into that catagory. She is penalized while he is rewarded. Meanwhile the children suffer. I am glad the calculator works for you, but there are many, many people who have been hurt by the ever changing amendments.
The calculator needs to match the guidelines. It is that simple. If there was a question on the front end like: Have you been arrested? If you are on the flat percentage plane will this cause a severe economic hardship? Will you loose the ability to provide basic needs such as housing as the result of a support decrease? An answer of yes, to any one of these questions would automatically eliminate a modification. I have a page full of warnings about the calculator from the TN Bar, the press, and consultants on the Calculator committee.
Yes the economy tanked, but the emergency rules in 2005 had nothing to do with that, also the overwhelmed public assistance requiring the 2008 amendments were a result of no one following the "emergency" rules.
If you were initially under the calculator you do not know any better. You are used to a reduced level of support. If you were under flat percent you have probably experienced something akin to the great depression.
The number one rule of the TN Child Support guidelines is that everything is for the best interest of the child and that the child shall enjoy the same standard of living as before the divorce. Are those two priorities allowed entries into the calculator?
Jen, thank you for the input. I'll guess we'll have to agree to disagree. :)
I was initially under the flat rate percentage, as was for many years. I found that such a percentage was NOT beneficial as it allowed my child's father to live at a much higher standard.
While that never bothered me, when the new system was put into place, it did even things out somewhat as I received an increase. It also took into account his other children and mine.
On the other hand, my husband who pays child support to an ex who, at one time, made much more than him found that it also evened it out more so for him.
I think that what most have to remember is that, following a divorce, someone's lifestyle and finances are going to change; if not both. It sucks and it's unfair, but it's a part of life.
I think in Melissa's situation, considering what he put her through, it may seem unfair now but someday she'll be glad to be rid of the loser in exchange for a $15k difference lifestyle.
My ex could not pull off 50/50 custody. He tried to say he could, but his work schedule is too demanding. He is not willing to change that. He finally gave up on that.
In fact, I expressed concern that he would say during his parenting time "Well, I have to work. I can't take them." I was assured by the divorce mediator that this would not happen. How did SHE know? Was she planning on coming home with us?
Guess what happened during the first day off from school in which the daycare center was closed and it was his parenting time? (the day before thanksgiving). He said to me "Well, i can't take them. I have to work!" I told him "Well, I have to work now too. Sorry, I don't have vacation time. This is a new job!" This left ME scrambling for childcare because it was his "option" not to take the children he demanded time with. Where is the repercussion for that? I wanted a clause written in that would have covered the cost of child care if he refused to take them and the moderator said no. Why not? If he says he wants that time, why not have him walk the walk.
I don't have a 15K lifestyle difference. My income was reduced by 38% when he left, and I had to pay for child care when I was the child care when he was working.
Lastly, my youngest child who was a baby when he left, was diagnosed with autism. There is nothing in the decree to stipulate who has to take off work to take him to his therapy etc. He doesn't do it. I do it.
At least I do take solace in the fact that he seems to have lost interest in wanting any form of increased custody now that our son's symptoms for his condition have come to light. Pathetic.
And sorry, I do think a parent's lifestyle affecting the rest of their children's lives should come into play.
My ex-wife has a child from a prior marriage and she is recieving child support for the child. Should she get a credit for that child from me and make me pay more or not?
Mike - although she is receiving child support FOR her child from a previous marriage, she will still be given credit on the BCSO for the time that the child the two of you have together. Depending on incomes and amount of time you spend with your child, it can make your obligation a bit higher.
Kim, are you saying you think 49K is plenty to raise three kids on?? Seriously!! Do you even have kids? Once you pay for the necessities like mort/ rent, utilities, phone, etc, you've got little bills that add up like the sports or field trips or doc visits. And what about the older kids who need braces or to take the sat or act or a prep course or need a car so they can get a job? And how do you have enough for birthdays or holiday presents or if they want to go to birthday parties for other people? Unless you're living in the *lowest* cost area with crime and substandard housing and education, you can't do all these things on that budget and have any left over for retirement or savings or, god forbid, a little vacation. Get a clue.
Teresa, yes, I do believe you can raise three kids on 49k. I have four children and raise them on an amount very close to that. And it does not require them to do without. Even includes yearly vacations.
I do not live in "substandard" housing. I always have birthday, christmas gifts - be it for them or others. Field trips, SAT/ACT is covered, as well as college app fees. And the only one old enough to drive a car has one.
How? We live within our means.
I am not anti child support, nor am I a believer in draining an ex dry in the name of children.
It is YOU who needs to get a clue.
I am sitting here cracking up at the idea that you can't decently raise 3 kids on 49k. I'm a divorced woman, and from 2000-2007 I raised my 3 youngest with NO child support, and my income was well below that -- didn't manage to crack the 30k mark until 2005. Still supporting 2 of them (one's grown now). They always had a roof over their head in a not-too-terrible neighborhood, food, medical care, books...maybe not the latest fashions or fancy vacations, but I can certainly take pride that they were raised well and raised to rely on themselves (by example).
As adults, we ought to be responsible for paying our own cost of living and in my opinion child support should reflect the reasonable additional cost of raising a child above our own normal adult living expenses. My fiance is being gutted to the tune of about half his monthly income for 2 kids -- one of whom gets close to $600 a month. There is NO way it costs an extra $600 a month to raise a kid beyond what you'd be paying in bills just for yourself. After his CS and the note on his vehicle (gotta get to work!) he doesn't have enough left to enjoy a normal standard of living on his own (about $800-900 per month -- that's NOT enough to cover rent, utilities, food, car insurance for one person) which means I'm subsidizing his ex's lifestyle (and still solely supporting 2 of my own kids). Not to mention that she was able to take their kid and move 400 miles away from him (about as far as you can get and not move out of state) making it extremely difficult for him to exercise his visitation rights. Parents on both sides of this issue get screwed. (And really, I have zero sympathy for anyone whose youngest is school age and still thinks they have ANY excuse for sitting at home and not working. Grow UP. The world (and your ex) doesn't owe you a living just because you have a vagina.
My son must be living in another Tennessee, because he sure has gotten just what she promised. Her words were " I am going to ruin you for leaving me and I can because I am a woman". She was right. She broke every court order and has been rewarded over and over again. He was ordered to take only his personal things out of the house. She was supposed to pay half the house payment and did not do so. She was ordered not to move the kids out of state. Did so three times. Was ordered to pay restitution for $8000.00 she did in damage to the house while living there and did not(this was not enforced). My son was ordered to carry health insurance on the boys, which he did and was ordered to share the doctor visits, which he ended up being sued for her half,in Tennessee and had to pay. He was paying $563.00 a month for his daughter from previous marriage, and was paying over $800.00 a month for the two boys. He had no place to take the boys when he had them EVERY weekend, so he would have to take them to various amusement and educational places and pay for all lodging and meals out. He was staying on a basement couch of a friend and could not take the children there. He had no money to live on so he existed in poverty like so many men. Salary $40,000. gross.(could not claim as deductions).
Finally the third time she moved them out of state, the Judge finally listened and my son was given custody. During this time she did not pay one cent of child support and only saw the kids two times in about two years. She was not
ordered to pay any extra, because she was not ordered to pay
ANYTHING AT ALL. NO MEDICAL, NOTHING AND THAT IS WHAT SHE PAID. In her effort to get them back, she convinced the
younger boy to make life almost impossible for my son. He
would not do anything expected of him, because his mother
told him he did not have to listen to his father, and he
did not. I forgot to mention that when she had them she was
ordered not to have men in the house after 10:00pm, not only
did she break that order, but had sex with a man when the boys were there on the other side of a door. The man came to
the door when the boys were pounding on it while crying,
and told them they would be out when they were finished.
Presently she is living with a man that she lied to the boys about, saying she was married. They now know she lied.
This is against the court order. Living in VA., against court order.
The kicker to this is that my son, when the children went back to her, was not ordered to pay child support, He
thought the Judge was going to be fair for once, however
out of the blue, came an order for him to pay $17,000.00(not hundred) in back support. he is also required to pay $1038.00 a month on slightly over $40,000 gross. He cannot deduct the boys on his taxes, he is required to carry medical (which is expensive) and still responsible for half of their medical bills. Needless to say, he cannot afford
to pay all of this and pay his bills. Cannot afford to go
back to court either. He asked the Judge if he read his information and the Judge simply said "NO". He had to borrow the $17,000.00 so he is paying that in addition to the interest on it. My son cannot get overtime in this
economy, so he is desperate because he has always paid his
bills and obligations.
Well, now she is living with a boyfriend on a lake in Va., and his completely destroyed the relationship that my son and his children had.
there is more, but after so much, it is all just words.
This baloney has to stop, men are people, too. Not just the object of fake domestic violence's to control the child custody, which they are finally looking into. Statistics
show that 50% of domestic violences are caused by women, but
if the cops are called and a women did it, the man goes to
jail. If the man does it the man goes to jail.
Shannon Dollard Smith says:
16 months ago
This Icome share model is oddly unfair to the cudtiodal parent. It doesn't take in to account all the things that a custodial parent has to deal with like sick children, school activities, etc...... that are mostly performed by the custodial parent.
Additionally this model is intimadating and hard for some people to understand.
Lastly, it literally creates a situation where a divorced parent has to be employed.
example.. my personal situation....
I was married and had 3 children. I divorced. I remarried and choose to be a stay at home mom again :)
Under this Income Share Model that would not have been an option, as my new husband's income would not be allowed as part of the model share.
Please help end Income share Models!
Thank you,
Shannon Dollard Smith