A question about child support
My hubby has ALWAYS paid child support for his children and has always been fair when asked for additional contributions for school camps, computer equipment etc...
His ex hasn't lodged a tax return since 2009 (CSA told hubby when on the phone) and they have apparently notified her that she could potentially have a debt to repay as her estimated income has only been $4000, whilst she has been working full time. In order to rectify any issues, they have told her that she MUST lodge ASAP for all the previous years (don't know what will happen if she doesn't).
Now, it seems conveniently, she has left work and is "volunteering". My question is this: will hubby's CS payments now increase as she has decided to quit work and enter volunteering instead?
She has always found ways around things to receive money without having to actually work (aside for the last few years which surprised us considerably!). Don't get me wrong, I understand it's tough as a single parent, but with high school aged children, it just seems downright suspicious that she now decides to quit work and volunteer?
Hubby already pays a decent amount (as determined by the CSA and his tax returns) and every time he has entered a better paying job, they take more. It really feels as though we cannot get ahead as any increase in pay is largely taken by the CSA and we don't end up much better off, if at all. We have 3 children together also. Before any judgement is passed, we BOTH support CS payments and have NO ISSUE whatsoever in him contributing to the raising of his children (he has 33% custody too, so he contributes considerably outside of financially), but I just wanted to know if this is what both the ex and CSA will do - increase CS payments due to her quitting her job?
Thanks
This is a place where women from different backgrounds, cultures and beliefs come together to support one another judgement free.
2 Replies
The mothers employment status has almost 0 effect on the fathers child support payments. Child support payments are based in the paying parents income unless the other parents income goes over a certain level. The mother has to earn a very good income for it to change payments especially if she has the kids most if the time. All the information is available on their website.
His payment wont change, however if she was working full time and hasnt upped her income estimate and also hasnt done a tax return then she will probably be in some major hotwater. However CSA is not allowed to tell you that as it is none of your business whether she works or not. (according to them)
She is obviously being paid from centrelink so therefore her FTB payments cant have been balanced over the last few years either so I find it quite hard to believe she hasnt lodged a tax return. "
Anway his payment should be reduced because he has some care of the children so make sure CSA are aware of care arrangements. But unless she is earning a large amount per year his payments wont change.