Legal Question in Family Law in Louisiana
I am going to child support court next month. I was never married to the woman, but we did live together 4 years. We had a little girl together, she is now 4 years old.
I would have just paid the amount that the DA's office calculated, but they did not consider my whole situation. They used MY income, and gave me credit for paying health insurance, also gave me credit for child support i'm paying to another ex.
They didn't consider HER income, nor would they consider my other dependents that live with me.
How should I go about presenting my case to the judge. Their amount was $517. My goal (and what I can really aford) is to have the amount set about $300 - $350. Note: i'm not trying to get out of paying, i love my daughter very much, and want to help, but i simply can not afford the $500+. Altogether I am supporting 5 children, including the daughter in question. I'm paying CS to another ex for 2 children, and my girlfriend's 2 children live with me also.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Child support is calculated on both parent's incomes. However, the mother's income will not be calculated until the child is 5. What was left out of your question was whether the mother of your daughter is receiving benefits from the state. If she is then they have already considered her income on the benefits she receives. If your two other children were born prior to your daughter and there is a support order in effect for their care then that amount will be considered. You should bring certified copies of all prior judgments. Your girlfriend's children do not figure into any calculations other than that between the two of you. She should seek support from their father. You should also bring copies of any extraordinary expenses such as medical bills you are regularly paying as this may be considered.
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