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Question

   Posted to group - Money matters    <<Previous    Next>>

Should I take a new job that will increase my income dramatically before divorce is final??

Within my company, I may be offered a full time management position.  I currently work few night and weekend shifts so that I can be home for my 5 small children.   If I take this before the divorce is final, will this decrease my child support or any other support that is being asked of my stbx???  I don't think I could survive without a full time salary, but on the other hand, I will  incur childcare costs.  Should I just sit tight and wait to see what support the judge grants?????
by 5babemom    141 Posts   
Posted on 7/3/2008 5:58 AM    
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Answers for "Should I take a new job that will increase my income dramatically before divorce is final??"  (6) (You must be logged in to answer)
In regard to child-care costs,consider having that listed separately in your settlement. For instance, you can request $X in child support, $X in spousal support and then 50% of child care and medical expenses. This protects both of you. You don’t have to stretch your support payments to cover unplanned costs (like child care and increased insurance premiums) and he won’t have to pay a predetermined amount for those items only to have you use the neighbor next door to watch the kids for free and pocket the extra cash (not that you would; but some men think moms squander support payments).
by freeangel   151 Posts
Posted on 7/3/2008 11:40 AM
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I'm on the opposite side of things. Becoming a single dad and working 12 hour days isn't going to cut it. I need time to manage my kids. I spoke to my lawyer about taking a 30% pay cut at a local job, and he said to be careful. I have already established that I can provide a certain amount of money, and the court would not see my job change as a good choice.  Hummm...  interesting to think about. I don't want a divorce and would rather try and fix our marriage, yet I'm being punished for it anyway. Go figure.
by Desmo   70 Posts
Posted on 7/3/2008 11:36 AM
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Thank you for the advice....I will look at all my childcare options as well, but I think you're all right.  I should have the security of a good job, plus I will need the health coverage. 

Thank You!!
by 5babemom   141 Posts
Posted on 7/3/2008 9:57 AM
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You should take the job. He can lose his tomorrow, you just never know. Work on establishing yourself. I future as a single mom is hard you need to have a job and if its a good one, even better.
by asim   774 Posts
Posted on 7/3/2008 8:32 AM
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i would take the job because you dont want to miss the opportunity, but keep in mind you should write something into your divorce decree to reaccess child support according to salary on a yearly basis...this will ensure if your or your exs salary changes it will be taken into consideration.  by taking the job now yes you might affect what you get paid each month for the initial part, but is that really worth losing the extra money from the job plus the opportunity to move up in the company?  if child support was once and done then I would say wait, but since it is always being reassessed to make it fair it should not matter.
by JLK   302 Posts
Posted on 7/3/2008 8:16 AM
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this is a tough one because some lawyers tell you not to get a job before divorce decree is finalized....but if you know you can't afford to live post divorce (even on best case child support), you really don't have a choice here.  

plus, you guys can go back to court every year if you want to adjust support amounts based on job changes and income going up/down.

go with your gut....i would take the job.
by paula1   2405 Posts
Posted on 7/3/2008 8:00 AM