Child Support Issues with Previous Marriage

Statistics indicate that nearly 80% of divorced people get married within a few years. Some of these marriages last, however, many of them end up in divorce court a second time. You may be faced with providing multi-support payments to two different families.

If you are already paying child support for children from another marriage, some states allow you to deduct the amount of child support you pay for other children from your net income figure. If you are asked to complete a financial statement, be sure to include this expense.

Child Support and Remarriage

If you are receiving child support and your ex-spouse has a child in the new marriage, that event could reduce your child support payments. This is because the court takes into account the best interests of all children.

If you are receiving child support and you remarry, the remarriage child support may be affected. Your ex-spouse may be able to get a reduction in child support since you and the children have the benefit of your new spouse’s income for your personal living expenses.

Unmarried Parents

If you are a parent, it is your responsibility to financially support your children. Your parental responsibilities can be legally determined by one of the following:

Your acknowledgment that you are a parent
By the fact that you had welcomed the child into your home as your own
Established by a paternity test

State laws vary somewhat on the definition of a parent; however, you can be sure you will be responsible for paying unmarried child support.

Getting Legal Advice

Whether you pay child support while married or are seeking to obtain advice about multi-support payments and how they are calculated, you should speak with an attorney who specializes in this area of law.

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