Legal Question in Family Law in Washington
Divorce - Settlement Offer in re: Child Support
We own a property and my husband is proposing that he will turn over the house to me in exchange that child support will not be adjusted? I told him that it is non-negotiable since child support is automatically calculated by State Statute and depends on petitioner and respondent's wages. Can he do that and get the Judge to agree to no adjustment on child support?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Divorce - Settlement Offer in re: Child Support
You are correct about how child support is calculated, and real property, no matter how valuable, is not liquid the way cash is.
The decision before the court is based on the income and other resources of each parent's household. Both parties' income is put into the equation, and the child support is based on a table that's drawn from the parent's combined income.
Child support remains adjustable because people's situations change over eighteen years.
If you don't have a lawyer, consider a consult if money is at issue. Your ex's maneuvering could be a basis for an award of fees.
Hope this helps. Elizabeth Powell