Child Support Dilemma: Equal Time but Unequal Payments

General Forum
1

Hi Folks,

I’m currently going through a custody case in Ohio and need some advice about child support. I have two kids with my ex—ages 6 and 2. We’ve never had a formal agreement before; I was previously paying her $560 a month based on a verbal agreement and had the kids on weekends.

Recently, I sought legal counsel, and my parenting time has shifted. I now have them from Saturday morning to Tuesday morning, while she has them Tuesday night to Saturday morning, so our parenting time is pretty equal.

My lawyer proposed a parenting plan where we’re both considered residential parents and legal custodians, following a 2-2-3 schedule. However, I’ve been told my child support payment will be $510 a month. Initially, my lawyer mentioned it would be for half of the childcare costs, but then it shifted to covering the kids’ needs while they were with her.

I earn $36,000 a year, while she makes $73,000. Given that I have equal time with the kids and we both contribute to their needs, I don’t think it’s fair for me to pay her support. I also cover their Medicaid, and she pays $900 a month for childcare, which still leaves her with a significantly higher income after those expenses.

I asked my lawyer if there’s a way I wouldn’t have to pay child support, but I feel like I’m not getting a straight answer. Am I crazy for thinking I shouldn’t have to pay her when our time with the kids is equal? Any insights or experiences would be greatly appreciated!

2

There should be an online support calculator for your state, but this doesn’t seem accurate given your near 50/50 custody and her higher income—unless they can prove you’re purposely underemployed.

3

$560 isn’t a sufficient amount to support two kids

4

@sandra
Right when he sees them on weekends

5

In this scenario, the mom should owe him money to help maintain consistent lifestyles for the kids between both households. Typically, the higher earner pays, not the dad.

6

To add his kids to his Medicaid account, they need to be with him at least 50% of the time. If I remember correctly, this could help him secure 51% custody, which might reduce his childcare costs and allow him to spend more time with the kids.

7

From what I understand, when parents are living in separate homes, it depends on who is filing. If he is legally responsible for the medical expenses, they will consider only his home and finances.

8

Child support is meant to equalize the households for the children’s benefit. It’s unfair for the lower-income parent with nearly equal time to pay anything to the other parent.

If income doesn’t matter, then why do women seek to recalculate child support when dads receive raises?