Custody/Support Qs

[dadwithQs]

I should preface this by saying we live in Pennsylvania as I know laws vary state to state in regards to both support orders and custody agreements.

My wife and I divorced three years ago. Our original custody agreement is actual within our divorce decree, and states that I have custody of our two daughters 6pm Fri - 8pm Sun and 6pm - 9pm on Wed EVERY WEEK. Our initial agreement for support was verbal and outside the courts at $150 per week. About a year and a half ago my ex-wife decided to file for support through Domestic Relations because she didn't think $150 per week was enough. They awarded her $125 per week. I pay this faithfully every week and have never been in arrears. Unreimbursed medical expenses are to be paid by her to $250 per year and then she pays 60% and I pay 40% of any additional medical bills.

About six months ago my ex-wife changed jobs and now works overnight. I now have our two daughters 4 nights EVERY week. My question is what are my rights here in regards to support. I am still paying her $125 per week and keeping our daughters the majority of the week.

Also, she has incurred a medical bill IN MY NAME, and against my wishes, and refuses to pay the bill. Total is $215 so doesn't even satisfy yearly deductible. I've contacted the doctor directly and asked to have it billed to her, but they have not done so. Any recourse here as they are about to send the bill to collections?

Thanks for any advice you can give.

 

[Autumnleaf]

Hire a decent lawyer and you'll probably come out way ahead on this.

 

[fulltime]

If you still want to keep this low profile and not to spendy. I would try a mediator if you can. It is true that child support will change the more time that you have custody of them. Here lies the question for you ; Is it worth putting pressure on your wife and making things worse. You can ask for a court to review the exiting conditions and tell the the new changes to lower your child support. This will take a little while. If your wife is already going through financial difficulties it will not make matters better to take more money from her.

 

[Autumnleaf]

If you still want to keep this low profile and not to spendy. I would try a mediator if you can. It is true that child support will change the more time that you have custody of them. Here lies the question for you ; Is it worth putting pressure on your wife and making things worse. You can ask for a court to review the exiting conditions and tell the the new changes to lower your child support. This will take a little while. If your wife is already going through financial difficulties it will not make matters better to take more money from her.

I disagree. A divorce separates you from someone else. The time for looking out for them has long since passed. Time to look out for your own interests and those of your children. Your ex can fend for her/himself. A good lawyer will help you see this clearly so you can do the right thing for everyone involved.

Its not in your best interest for you to be supporting your ex, unless you take some perverse pleasure in paying their bills. They need to move on with their lives and get their hands out of your pockets.