Breakups & Divorce Support Group

Just broke up with someone or in the midst of a difficult divorce? Breaking up is difficult no matter what the circumstances are. They say that time heals all wounds, but sometimes a listening ear or a hug can work wonders for the heart. Whether you need a place to vent, someone to hold you to No Contact, or need advice about what to do, we're here to help.

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diemjs 08/27/2008

Im not stupid, but I was wondering what exactly is child support for? I know its to raise the kids, but, is it also to help pay the rent or mortgage for the house the kids live in? Is it to help provide shelter for the kids?

Im just curious. I told him the child support he gives me wouldnt even cover rent and he said if I have a problem providing shelter, he would take the kids and shelter them.

Thanks all. I know you will come up with some creative and honest answers!

deleted_user 08/27/2008

i dont know, but i would think it would include that..maybe not pay the rent, but i assume its to help pay the rent..

deleted_user 08/27/2008

Child support is to help with the cost of raising a child - which includes Shelter, food, clothing, transportation, health care, school, entertainment, hair cuts, dance lessons, piano, lessons....Well, I'm sure you know what a kid needs. It's the other parents part for ALL of that.

deleted_user 08/27/2008

most state definitions contain the following:
for the care, custody, and maintenance of a child

i would think that includes items jo mentioned, among others.

deleted_user 08/27/2008

actually, most CS calculations determine a percentage of responsibility for each parent. If you look at the resulting form, the custodial percentage may be 40%, non-custodial, 60% for example, based on incomes, nights with child(ren), etc. then a monetary number is determined, and calculated according to the percentage. hypothetically, if a weekly amount of 100 is determined, on a 40/60 calculation, one parent's responsibility is $40, one is $60. so to say 'my child only gets 60/week from my spouse, i can't raise a child on 60/week, would be incorrect. the child is theoretically getting 100.

deleted_user 08/27/2008

it is to pay for whatever is needed for the kids including rent,electric,phone,ect

deleted_user 08/27/2008

I had 3 kids when my divorce happened. If it wasn't for child support I would be living in a 1 or 2 bedroom apartment instead of a house. We would have to get around by bus and we'd be eating alot of regular hamburger instead of fruits and veggies. The kids would not be able to go to movies for ex. and they wouldn't be given new bikes etc. Do you see what I mean? The purpose of child support is so that the kids in a broken marriage has the same quality of life as when the parents were married. When u get divorced there is only a single income and the support makes up for that.

deleted_user 08/27/2008

I have a friend of mine who just purchased a home counting on the child support amount that was calculated. He lost his job and she may lose her house if she doesn't get a second job because she figured in that additional income. I raised my other two children on my own without child support and this time, I was paranoid and bought a house that would be affordable to me based on my own income and did not count the child support. As a matter of fact, every week when the direct deposit wen through, I transferred the whole amount into a savings account. The unexpected happened, my ex just got laid off 2 weeks ago! I'm so glad I will not struggle...

Child support is for the care of the child as you see fit.

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