AboutJeff Laatsch Expertise WA Law with respect to family court issues: order to show cause/notice of motions, establishing or modification of an order, custody, visitation, child support, parenting schedules, mediation, preparations and filings of all documents: International relocation experience: Create a win/win/win situation between Mom-Children-Dad...
Experience Self taught and experience with working with various Court Clerks.
Expert: Jeff Laatsch Date: 7/17/2008 Subject: Child support payments and income discosure
Question Hi
I have a couple of questions. A quick background on what's going on...my husband and I separated in February and although generally things have been okay I do have a few issues. One is his constant questioning of the amount of money I am making. I have custody of our three girls and work part-time as a cashier at a grocery store so as you can imagine my income is not huge. I do receive a child tax credit from the government and it has increased since he has left as it is based solely on my income and not our combined income now. He is paying child support but the amount has been decreasing monthly. While I can still make ends meet he is claiming now that unless I disclose all the sources of income I have he will stop making payments at all. Is he entitled to do this? I have not sought legal help as I can't afford it and didn't want to make things nastier than they already are. He is claiming as well that the amount of support he pays me has more to do with how much I bring in without his payments not based on his income...I say what he pays me is based on his income and has nothing to do with what I bring in. Without his child support payment I bring is about $1900 a month. WE live in Canada in case you couldn't tell. My rent every month is $1200 so as you can tell there is nothing left to live on for 4 people. Any answers you can give me would be much appreciated. I realize you are no a lawyer but would value you response just the same.
Thank you for taking the time to read and answer my questions.
Michelle
Answer Michelle:
DISCLAIMER:
I AM NOT A LAWYER or ATTORNEY. I am someone who has experience with family law issues, and am sharing my OPINION only. For the exact law as it pertains to your specific case contact a Professional Attorney in your area/county.
I recommend hiring a Professional Attorney: Most Attorneys offer 1/2 free consultation time during which you can discuss the case and payment options. If you did file legal separation papers in February prior to separating then filing for a Divorce is made easier: IF NOT, then things can get a bit complicated with reference to property issues; Make sure you know exactly what date you separated, OK.
If you do not plan on a Divorce, but would like to go to counseling then at least file LEGAL SEPARATION papers which including filing for temp child support: Plus worksheets: Parenting Plan, OK. When you file for child support you BOTH must fill out financial disclosures plus the child support worksheets so this will satisfy the ex request: Then go to counseling to try to work through the hard time: This will cover you and the children during this time.
Note on Child Support: It is based on BOTH incomes hence the reason why the financial disclosure statements along with filling out the child support work sheets: Work with the recommend Professional Attorney on getting this filled out correctly.
Seek out a Professional Attorney as soon as possible to get Legal separation papers filled out including Child support work sheets, Financial disclosures, plus child support worksheets and parenting plan as noted.
