nightskyreader Posted July 23, 2005 Share Posted July 23, 2005 I have looked at various calculators to determine how much people have to pay in child support and alimony, and for CS at least it seems it is based off the total income for both parents. Like, if I made 50,000 and she made 25,000, then I bring in 67% of the total income therefore I would have to provide 67% of the total estimated needs for raising the child. My question is, what if the bitc- um, ex hasn't worked in the last several years, despite my pleading for her to get a job, and I make pretty good money, say >$100k. Is there a formula for how much money I will pay in child support and alimony? If I end up paying $20K+ in alimony, is there any incentive in that for her to actually grow up and get a job and start taking car of herself? Or does the ex get to remain a couch potato for the rest of her life? I don't mind giving my child as much money as I can- I want to give my child the best education and lifestyle available. But in reality, what is the difference in need for raising a child depending on whether daddy makes minimum wage or if daddy makes great money? I mean, we all know that 20-25% of my income going to child support wouldn't really be going to child support, because the child isn't going to need $25,000 per year for food, school supplies, and clothes, when her neighbor, an anatomically similar child with similar needs, only gets $2,000 in child support from her daddy and is getting along just fine. Where does that surplus money go? Into momma's checking account? I'm just brand new to this whole alimony/child support deal and I guess I'm looking for any answers you folks might have. Link to post Share on other sites
soccorsilly Posted July 23, 2005 Share Posted July 23, 2005 Best advice is to ask your attorney. I live in Maryland and in situations like that, they will base the CS on the earning ABILITY of the spouse. So when my ex wife, who also did not work for 10 years, tried for child support, we arrgued that she was able to work, but chose not to and since we shard a similar educational background, it was deemed that she had the ability to make as much as me and there was no child support ordered--we share custody physically 50-50 and I pay for their needs when they are with me and she does when they are with her. I actually ended up giving her some money at settlement, not because I had to but because I was looking out for the needs of my kids. But they do have a thing here in MD called rehabilitative alimony. The non working spouse gets alimony for a maximum period of time (I think it is three years unless she gets re-married) which is designed to give her a lift in getting back into the workforce. Hope this helps! Link to post Share on other sites
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