She had the chance to contest it and she didn't. The attorney made it sound like there really wasn't much point, which may have been true, but she may have been able to make a case for reduced income on her part. I almost advised her to contest it and let it go to the judge. Almost. I'm quite surprised how little the child support amount changes because of income changes. For her to see a $100/month increase in child support, her income would have to be half of what they calculated with originally.
I'm guessing that she's not going to get approval for state aid either. Maybe a little for child care and food stamps, maybe.
I just wonder what it's going to take for her to find a cheaper place to live. Her new landlords dropped her rent, which is pretty good for her, but because of the way she mishandles her money it's still more than she can afford. She could get into a brand new apartment and cut her rent almost in half. It's all because of the dog that she stays where she is. I've already suggested the dog stay with me and she can have her whenever she wants. It's not like I really want the dog anyway, but she's such a sweet dog that I'd hate to let anyone else have her.
So that's about it. Nothing's really changed for me except that the hearing's over, which is something of a relief. Now I just have to save the pennies for a divorce.
I'm glad it went well. Money is always a loaded issue. How would they overestimate her income? Does she work on commission? Maybe she will find a position that is more stable moneywise. I know it is hard...
ReplyDeleteThat's a tough situation. I have a number of patients who can't find decent housing because they choose their pets over a better place to live. I understand that on an emotional level, but when my kids are concerned t would be an easy choice for me.
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting how, especially women, when they get divorced have these high grandiose ideas of how much they are going to get and how things are going to go only to get a huge wake-up call in the end.
ReplyDeleteI took my ex back to court 2 years ago to have CS reduced because my income got cut in 1/2. Before we went I offered her a settlement, she said no. So she shelled out thousands in attorney fees and 6 months later she got $50 less than I offered her in the beginning.
So glad it went well for you. I love that you care how she felt and what happens to her (and the dog). That speaks volumes about you!
ReplyDeleteThat is a rough situation. You are a good man to sympathize with her situation. But if I may be the devil's advocate on that issue... and please feel free to tell me to take a flying leap.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds more to me like it is an issue she needs to face, created by her spending habits. The court and the government are not going to care that she lacks financial skills and self control. What they look at is the least amount required to exist. Its up to her to make it work by exercising self control financially. Until she masters self control, there will never be enough money... she will continue to spend up to and beyond what she can afford.
This is all very sad. I'm only going to take the kids side...No matter how much money the mother has or doesn't have, nothing stops you from buying the kids new clothes, a couple bags of groceries, new shoes - you get the picture. The kids should not suffer even more because the parents are getting a divorce and their mother can't afford much or mishandles her money.
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