Child Support & Custody Support Group
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Initially when my ex and I separated the kids were not in school yet, needless to say, lots has developed since the split. The main thing being my sons diagnosis with special needs - requiring multiple docor visits on a regular basis, special homework and equipment needed for his success.
1)
When I am keeping track of time spent I want to make sure I cover what is important and not waste time on things that are insignificant. Here is what I am certain I should be keeping track of:
Pediatrician Appointments
School Meetings
Therapy Sessions
There are so many other things that consume so much time. And, since my time is limited, I am not sure if I should waste my time documenting things like:
Dad's Early Drop Off's
Dad's Forfeiting Weekend Days & Holidays
Missed Events He Does Not Take Them Too (IE they had swimming lessons, which I paid for, and he did not take them on the days he had them)
Time I Spend in my sons classroom
What are some of the ways you keep track of important information and how do you present it to your mediator? I have a palm pilot which makes it very easy to categorize and print reports, just not sure exactly what I should be keeping track of...
2)
I miss approx 20 hours a month in doc visits alone, so it does hurt the pocketbook. My ex recently started to pay me child support, although it is based on the original amount stated in our divorce decree 4 years ago. At that time the kids were not yet in school and my sons needs were not mentioned in it. My income hasnt changed much, but I have decreased hours because of the missed work for my son. Would it be worth my while to have the child support reviewed? I don't want to stir up strife. At this point the kids are really happy with the communicating, no arguing etc.
My problem is he is healthy and able to do things like help with doc appts, but he is so busy 'working' that he does not make the time and often forfiets his time. I wish I had the liberty he does to see if my responsibilities to my kids 'fit my schedule' the way he does.
1)
When I am keeping track of time spent I want to make sure I cover what is important and not waste time on things that are insignificant. Here is what I am certain I should be keeping track of:
Pediatrician Appointments
School Meetings
Therapy Sessions
There are so many other things that consume so much time. And, since my time is limited, I am not sure if I should waste my time documenting things like:
Dad's Early Drop Off's
Dad's Forfeiting Weekend Days & Holidays
Missed Events He Does Not Take Them Too (IE they had swimming lessons, which I paid for, and he did not take them on the days he had them)
Time I Spend in my sons classroom
What are some of the ways you keep track of important information and how do you present it to your mediator? I have a palm pilot which makes it very easy to categorize and print reports, just not sure exactly what I should be keeping track of...
2)
I miss approx 20 hours a month in doc visits alone, so it does hurt the pocketbook. My ex recently started to pay me child support, although it is based on the original amount stated in our divorce decree 4 years ago. At that time the kids were not yet in school and my sons needs were not mentioned in it. My income hasnt changed much, but I have decreased hours because of the missed work for my son. Would it be worth my while to have the child support reviewed? I don't want to stir up strife. At this point the kids are really happy with the communicating, no arguing etc.
My problem is he is healthy and able to do things like help with doc appts, but he is so busy 'working' that he does not make the time and often forfiets his time. I wish I had the liberty he does to see if my responsibilities to my kids 'fit my schedule' the way he does.
I will check out the online forms.
Also, keep in mind that child support is based on income, but also standard guidelines of "time". For example, in my state, non custodial parents are automatically figured to have 110 visitation days a year. If it is less than that then child support tends to be higher because they are spending a larger portion of time with the other parent and thusly they are theoretically doing most of the providing.
Before you go to court or the state to ask for an increase in child support. I would try sitting down and talking to your son's father. Explain the situation and that you need additional financial and physical support to adequately take care of your son. Ask him to step up to the plate and assist with Dr. visits so your work isn't impacted as much and ask him to pitch in for the other things like clothes or swimming.
If he can afford it then he should step up and it would eliminate fighting for increased child support because he'd be taking on a more responsibilities for his kids.
If he isn't willing to help more then you won't be left with an alternative and if he gets mad then you will be able to explain to him that you asked him for assistance, but he wasn't able or willing so you had to do what you had to do to provide for your sons medical needs.
Good Luck.