Not looking for legal advice, just a barometer

[ObiWan]

Wondering if this is even close to average
- she and I make about the same, so no alimony involved
- I pay 13% of my gross salary in child support
- I pay 50% for camp, baseball, soccer, after school (until 6:30)
- I do enjoy taking him to the movies a few (maybe 3) times a year and the occasional rented video, the infrequent visit to the toy store
- I still go grocery shopping and feed my son about 4 nights a week
- (she's remarried, not that it matters)
- I still slowly etch away at my savings, while I hear about the vacation to North Carolina next week, and a possible one to Italy to see her husband's sister.
- I wont be seeing any vacation, aside from the 3 days this week, as I will miss him next week

Am I doing something wrong, or is this just normal and I need to suck it up?

Thanks.

[attorneytom]

My only question is this:

Shared Parenting and who is the residential parent ?

Tom

[kml]

Obiwan -
The fact that she's remarried has a LOT to do with why she can take those vacations and such. It has no impact whatsoever on your requirement to pay child support, even if she married a millionaire YOU have an obligation to contribute to your child's support. And if YOU were remarried to a woman who brought in a big paycheck, your life would be different too. Just facts.

I don't know anything about divorce or the law, but to me, 13% of your income in child support seems cheap. I know our three kids eat up a lot more than 13% of my H's and my income. Are you really having difficulty living on the remaining 87% of your income? If so, maybe you need to think about how to cut your living expenses or increase your income.

I know that it chaps your hide to see the WAS living high on the hog while you're struggling, but things aren't always what they seem, you know?

Ellie

[sofaraway]

Ellie, 13% of your gross translates to a lot more than 13% of your take home.

IE: $2000 gross = $260 cs net $1740 @ 13%
$2000 gross = $1440 net pay
$260 CS = $1180 net pay


Makes a substantial difference to me. Especially since they have equal time with the kids and make the same amount of money.

That's not to say I think it is to much. I think it is a respectable amount and seems fair.

Ian

[ObiWan]

Thanks. I wasnt so much complaining as trying to verify that I fit in the average, and my lawyer didnt "screw up". Seems the old adage of 2 can live as cheap as 1 is probably the cause of the disparaty. I've been looking to economize in the meantime. No big.

[ObiWan]

well went over my budget again - one thing I forgot to mention (which probably has a big bearing on my current financial sitch) is I am putting a big chunk of $ away for retirement and his college.

[ObiWan]

My only question is this:

Shared Parenting and who is the residential parent ?

Tom

Shared parenting; she's the residential.

[ObiWan]

I hope Acorn and Duckie are having as great a life as they deserve. things well here too.

[MissingMyHubby]

Obiwan when you get a chance give me a call
How's everything in the new place?
It's getting down to the wire over here 31st is last day here

[ObiWan]

sheesh sis - will cll