Well, I have to tell you that things aren't much different here in Canada...CS is based on GROSS income, which I'll never understand, seeing as we don't even see that money...
I live both sides of the fence and I am in a situation alot like mommy of three...I am a CP of one six year old girl and I just recently started receiving my CS again after an 8 month absense of it...it's the bare minimum..$77.00 every two weeks...it doesn't go far, but I have no desire to make him pay any more...the man has to live too.
My soon to be husband, on the other hand, pays through the nose for his three kids, and his ex is out for blood...she also wants medical expenses, educational expenses and spousal support...well, considering what he pays her in a month, medical and educational expenses should be included in the initial CS order, not extra....what the hell does the justice system want us to live on??? This woman sits at home on her ass and sends her kids to school and daycare...and wants spousal support???? She's 31 years old for cripes sakes...and not a reason in the world she can't work...
So, I have a six year old from a previous marriage, my SO has three children (7, 5, and 3) from a previous marriage and we have one child together and another on the way (that wasn't planned)...how the hell are we supposed to support OUR children, as well as his other ones? The system isn't fair...My SO brings home just enough money to pay our mortgage..that's IT...I try to pay the rest with my maternity leave wages...it's not fair and we are totally broke.
Just so you know, you aren't alone...by any means...