A mom writes in asking for advice about child support. She says her ex — the father of her child — makes more than $120,000 and only pays $650 a month in child support. What’s more is that he doesn’t even pay that every month. This mom only makes $25,000 annually and can’t even afford to live on her own. Should she pursue getting more in child support from her ex?
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A member of the community asks:
“How should I handle this child support situation with my ex? So my child’s father makes over $120,000/year. I make around $25,000. He pays $650 in child support that we agreed upon right after we separated but doesn’t always get it to me every month. I live with the family since we can’t afford an apartment in a good area of town.
People say I should be getting double that and would be able to afford a place of our own then. I’m torn… I don’t want to start a fight with him (he can be extremely mean) since we are doing ok co-parenting…But on the other hand, I would like to be able to afford a house/apartment of our own. Also. I don’t waste child support… if I have money left over it is saved for my child/ used for next month’s bills.”
– Mamas Uncut Community Member
Community Advice for This Mom Who Wants to Know if She Should Get More in Child Support
To see what advice the Mamas Uncut Facebook community has for this mom in need, read the comments of the post embedded below.
Advice Summary
The community offered this mom in need a lot of great advice. Read some of their responses below.
“Sorry to Say but it’s his job to look after his child, not after you, if you want a place of your own, get a job that pays better. If that money he gives you takes Care of the child’s needs, then it’s fine. If you work to take care of your child. It’s both of your responsibility. He’s not responsible for your rent, water, and electricity, etc., etc.”
“Ask local lawyers as different states have different guidelines.”
“Get a better job, I get 450 a month for 2 kids and am doing just fine with my job alone. You can’t rely on child support alone to pay for rent.”
“Be happy with what you get and that he’s letting you live there. I get about $24.00 per month (when I get it), but the court order is $900.00 per month for my children.”
“My husband made less than that and his son’s mother made much more than you and his child support payment slightly less than that. There’s a lot of variables to consider.”
“If you feel like you need more child support why don’t you ask him about paying for daycare while you get a job and then split it in half once you get on your feet.”
“Get in low-income housing so you have a place. Go to court and get a Support order. Thell go by what he makes. It’s a certain percentage.”
“$650 is plenty of enough for his share of the month. It’s not his job to support you. Get a better job.”
“You might not be entitled to more money, but if he is inconsistent with the payments, I can see why you might be struggling. Take him to court and get a proper order in place so that the payments are made on time each month.”
“I only make 17,000 a year, single mom, child is special needs, and I do not get any support from the father. You need to move to a cheaper area all communities have it, get in with housing they base that off income, and suck it up. You’re much better off than most single moms.”
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