| walstib |
| (recently joined) |
| 12/02/04 04:16 PM |
Re: stepdad can use some help
|
Support orders in IL are to be reviewed every 3 years; I’m don’t know why hers has not been. She can get it reviewed and modified.
Plum, who is responsible for initiating review of support orders? Are support orders the same as the marital settlement agreement? The child support terms are defined in wife's marital settlement agreement.
You and she also need to know what CS is for. It is the NCP’s contribution (note it’s not full payment) to the basic needs of the child. For example, the kid/s theoretical portion of the house, the heat, the water, the food; the kid/s clothing and medical. It is not for cable tv, cell phones, computers, gymnastics, or prom dresses. The CP is to contribute to the basics as well.
So if I'm trying to figure out what's fair...There are four of us in the family. The kids are half of the family. Do I divide my utility bills, mortgage, groceries, etc. in half to determine child expenses? Of that number, the mother should pay half and the father should pay half?
If the CP decides to spend money on extra things like cell phones or computers, it is the CP’s decision and expense. The CP may ask the NCP to help out, if they have a working relationship. But the NCP is not required to pay for extras outside of CS. This usually includes sports, as well.
Sometimes, depending upon the judge and the lawyers, the CP may ask for and receive an order that includes contributions to extracurricular activities or for orthodontia.
In the meantime, the appliances and the state of your bathroom are not the law’s concern. You and your wife are expected to work out your own finances. Once again, you knew she had kids when you married her – what would you have done if the NCP had died?
According to the marital settlement agreement, wife would've collected 40K LI policy.