Current order is over two years old. Her reason for requesting the change is that my income has increased. The reason that she needs the adjustment is that she does not have steady employment and cannot pay her bills. Maintenance ended nearly two years back, so she is running out of funds.
It is a sad situation really, and what's strange is that I would be willing to help. I suppose that I already do help by paying the medical, tuition, and so forth... It's just that I am fearful that the court won't give the residential credit since our incomes are so very different. It would feel like a theft were taking place each month.
I have been unable to get a straight answer as to what the court would do - two attorneys that I have met have been ambiguous. It just seems like the court is in a tough spot - do they have sympathy for someone who cannot find work? And what about the fact that she spent four years on maintenance without even attempting to work or attend school, do they consider that in this case? It would be a disincentive to good fathers if the court did not offer a residential credit.
If anyone has information or actual experience with WA State child support, it would be great to hear your thoughts. At a minimum, I'll post the outcome once this is resolved so that you will all have that point of reference.
It is a sad situation really, and what's strange is that I would be willing to help. I suppose that I already do help by paying the medical, tuition, and so forth... It's just that I am fearful that the court won't give the residential credit since our incomes are so very different. It would feel like a theft were taking place each month.
I have been unable to get a straight answer as to what the court would do - two attorneys that I have met have been ambiguous. It just seems like the court is in a tough spot - do they have sympathy for someone who cannot find work? And what about the fact that she spent four years on maintenance without even attempting to work or attend school, do they consider that in this case? It would be a disincentive to good fathers if the court did not offer a residential credit.
If anyone has information or actual experience with WA State child support, it would be great to hear your thoughts. At a minimum, I'll post the outcome once this is resolved so that you will all have that point of reference.