Hello there. So, I'm usually the last to say I need help, but I seriously need help. Briefly, as I was about to lose my job at the start of this year, I was hit with a $700 monthly child support order. At the time, I could afford that, but again, my job was coming to an end. I knew it, my ex knew it, the Domestic Relations office knew it. But, they went ahead anyway. It has been a struggle to keep up with bills when you're hamstrung by $700 a month on a job that's 25 miles away and pays less than the previous job. I appealed, but the judge went off the gross pay guidelines, ignoring my net pay, and my home, auto, and phone expenses, and kept it at $700 a month. The support really hasn't gone towards the children, who still get clothes for free from those cleaning out their closets, and is basically being used as backdoor alimony.
Knowing what was coming, I took out a personal loan. This helped for maybe two months. I took out another in October, as I was facing eviction. At this time, I filed for a reduction in child support, upon learning that other states would require less, and even Canada would require less. I even discovered fathers who didn't want anything to do in their kids' lives were paying $100 a month. I was confident that my negative bank account balance would be enough to show them that this wasn't working. Instead, it was increased to $950 a month! Well, funny thing there: my understanding is what you agree on at the conclusion of the conference was it, and it was kept at $700. I got a call from the conference officer about half an hour later, stating my ex requested an increase to the guideline of $863. I received the paperwork, and lo and behold, it was actually $950 due to arrears which were nonexistent at the time of my reduction request. As of this writing, I've filed another appeal. Also, my ex is now getting SSI for one of our children, who was diagnosed with ADHD. She could literally quit working and make nearly twice as much as I'll be bringing home working.
The nature of my job means I can't go out and get a second job, even though I want to. I was basically told that I'm not going to be working 40 now, but I need to keep my availability open and not get a second job. I'd quit, but then child support doesn't get paid, and I'll go to jail for literally doing everything right. I'm looking for another full-time job, but the one I want and know is open, and would honestly pay more than enough to afford everything, they won't fill for some reason, even though I am beyond qualified, and have let them know.
Add to it, the tree is going to be bare. I've maxed out all my credit cards, and those two loans I can't pay for, because my bank account is in a constant negative state now. Also, I cry at the fact that I'll likely never get to see my mother again, since I can't afford to travel 950 miles one way to see her.
I know times are tough for all of us, but please, help out with what you can, and share along with others as well. I will be eternally grateful. Thank you.
