(This is a totally theoretical question, lol. I learned during my divorce how much my ex was entitled to my income just because we were married. So, here’s a random thought I had—thank you, ADHD. Given how common affairs are, I got curious! If this belongs in a different forum, just let me know! Thanks in advance!)
Here’s the scenario: a married couple, with the wife earning $120k a year and the husband earning $40k. The husband has an affair and ends up with a child from that relationship. If the other woman goes after him for child support, would the wife’s income factor in, since their combined household income is $160k? Or is it just the husband’s $40k that gets considered for child support?
Usually, the spouse’s income isn’t considered directly, but it can indirectly impact the amount of child support ordered. For example, since there’s more household income overall, the father could claim fewer expenses for himself. If the household expenses are $10k per month and he only earns 25% of the total household income, then he could only account for $2500 as his own share of expenses. This helps prevent someone from avoiding child support just because they have a high-earning spouse.