A question about child support

[Connonym]

I know I need to see a lawyer about this but before I do I wanted to see if any of you can tell me if this is even possible. I've been divorced for about 7 years and I share 50/50 placement and custody of my 2 daughters with my ex. At the time we both had about equal incomes so there was no child support. I recall my attorney telling me that I could ask for it and would probably get something because I was earning a little less but it didn't seem worth it at the time.

Now circumstances have changed drastically and I'm making a lot less than him (like maybe 1/3). When it comes time to pay medical bills for the kids and buy the stuff for back to school and whatnot, we each pay roughly half. We've never divided it down to the penny but it's sort of been "you buy their shoes and I'll buy their school supplies" kind of a thing. With 50/50 custody and placement would I even quality for child support? Am I being a selfish bitch for even thinking about asking for it?

[undeterred]

1. The only answer I know is no

you are not being selfish. My brother-in-law's ex took him to court every time he changed jobs. Maybe you can find some answers here:

http://www.divorcenet.com/states/wisconsin/wi_faq04

http://www.divorcesupport.com/divorce/Wisconsin-Divorce-Laws-796.html
http://www.divorcesupport.com/divorce/Wisconsin-Child-Support-Factors-803.html

http://www.divorcesource.com/WI/index.shtml

:hug:

[eyesroll]

2. You will qualify for CS according to the formula.

Wisconsin does not include school and medical expenses in child support--it's usually handled the way you do. So don't worry about that.

Let's say your income is $1000 and his is $3000 for the sake of argument.
You both have 50% of overnights.

I used this calculator:
http://www.dwd40calculator.com/ (which I don't know where the caclulator comes from but the formula is accurate).

And it showed he should pay $377/month to you.

You are not being selfish--you need the money to support the kids, he's required to pay it. And you qualify for it.

[Connonym]

3. Thanks to both of you for the info