I am a Non Custodial Parent (aka NCP). I have Weekend visitation every other weekend. My ex husband was awarded custody because at the time he was living with his girlfriend and they could afford a house, and he made more money than me.
I pay my child support every two weeks via a Wage Withholding order. They remove *ALMOST* half of my paycheck every month. I work 30 hrs a week at my job because the industry I am in, isn't flourishing at the moment. (Stupid housing Market) I have tried to find a full time but haven't found one where I can possibly make more than I am making now.
I have $287.54 deducted from my check every pay period. I have $299.00 left. I have a part time job at a retail store and make $100-$200 every two weeks, depending on how busy we are.
So if you calculate it... I will have between $798 and $998 on a given month. So that is about 11k a year.
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Lets see my expenses:
2 br Apt ( because I have to have a 2 bedroom bc the court requires it for overnight visitation $895
Electricity $100 (give or take depending on the season)
Phone-Cable-Internet $80
Cell Phone $50
Car Payment $450 (although I will be done paying for it in about 4 months)
Car Insurance $150
Health Insurance $108
Medications $40
Plus I'm in 15k in debt most from my divorce
You do the math...$1873 just bills (not including debt bills,food,gas, kids stuff) I'm short by $1075...
Thankfully, I remarried and have a wonderful husband who helps provide a good life. But, this is ridiculous. If I was single. I'd be living out of my car seriously.
I understand we need to support our kids, and I do that very well. However, what about us NCP? We are resorted to living almost poverty stricken lives....
Its appalling and I cannot believe our country allows parents who to try to do the responsible thing suffer.
And, I tried to get medical assistance but they only look at GROSS INCOME. They don't look at net. So, they think I am livin large ... since they don't even look at my child support.
There must be reform.
