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Charles Said:

Problems involving divorce, children, and money?

We Answered:

Every state is different. I live in NYS and my ex was responsible for paying 17% of his annual income for child support. In addition to that he was responsible for paying 60% of child care expense and 60% of medical coverage for our son. That was based on our income. He makes a great deal more then me so he paid the larger percentage of those things. If you leave he will pay child support based on income and whatever percentage is used in your state, he will also be responsible for covering a portion of child care, medical and unpaid medical. You just need to find out how they come to a figure in the state that you reside. Child support services will be able to help you with that information. You aren't responsible for all the expenses if you decide to leave. Get the information you need to make an informed decision first.

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The calculator thing is just a simple tool. When/if you speak to an attorney they will get more detailed for you. Basically if our incomes were within 2k of each others it would have been a 50/50 split for child care and medical but since he made more it was a 60/40 split. I'm sure in every state both parents are equally responsible for these things. If you go to child support services they will need at least the last years W2 for your husband and a statement from childcare provider stating what you pay yearly as well as for medical coverage. They can give you a much better idea as to what to expect in addition too child support. Good luck