My last day at my job was March 1st.
I don't want you to respond to this, but I am hoping you didn't quit your job to try and lessen the amount you have to pay in child support, which in your case, will be at least 30% of your gross income
before taxes.
Some younger men will try this tactic, but it always catches up with them. The truth is, it doesn't matter if you have a job or not, you will go to jail if you don't pay. Because of the trouble collecting child support in the past, enforcement has been turned over to the men-hating, militant feminists in each state.
Don't expect any understanding or sympathy, either. The judge will never take into consideration your situation. It does not matter if your Ex ran away and left you with all the bills. It doesn't matter if you live under a bridge and have no job. You are still going to pay, even if it has to be at gunpoint.
I find it amusing how the media brainwashes people into thinking the man is always at fault and should pay dearly for his mistakes. Even the church is culpable for this perverse attitude. Even people I have known for years become militant when it comes to the child support issue; which incidentally, they have no clue what they are talking about.
Just the other day, one of my very pleasant, older, female clients asked me how things were going. I told her things were fine, but It was difficult for some months to keep up with my child support payments.
Her response was, "Good, it really needs to be."
Keep in mind, this is someone who I see as my second mom. She has been with me for over 10 years.
I am not telling you all this to scare you. I just want you to know what is probably ahead so you can plan for it. Expect no understanding or sympathy from anyone, especially when it comes to child support.
Also, there is a very high probability your ex-wife will use child support as a weapon against you at some point. Don't be shocked by this. Even if you think "she would never do that," at least keep it in the back of your mind. People change. I guarantee, she will too, especially since she already has a new man in her life to agree with her about what a jerk you are.
Here are a few things you can do to protect yourself:
1. If you can afford it, hire a lawyer. If you can't, there are legal aid resources in each state. Don't be too proud to use their services.
2. Make some kind of payment to your Ex each month, even if it is $20.00. You have to pay something so you can show you at least care. If you have trouble paying, go to your local enforcement division and confront them head-on. I've heard that they are becoming more willing to work with men who genuinely care about their kids, but are underemployed.
3. Try and stay self-employed. Not only will you potentially make more money, but the state will also be unable to garnish your wages. I know this sounds a bit crass since I know you want to do what is best for your kids.
But wage garnishment is virtually automatic in a lot of cases. All a feminist judge has to do is ask your Ex one question, "Do you think he will pay his child support?" If she says no, you will be having at least 30% of your wages taken out before taxes each payday, whether you can afford it or not.
4. Keep a cash reserve on hand for emergencies. Nuff said there.