Ballpark estimate of child and spousal support in Maryland

[Anonymous]

I assume there is no way to force on parent to save for or provide for college?

[Anonymous]

one* parent

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Be aware that indefinite alimony is still a thing in MD; if a judge thinks your spouse is not able to work (vs doesn't want to), that may be an issue.

He didn’t say that she’s a paraplegic. She can work HARD! Just ask the SAHM brigade about how hard is their job. Toughest job on earth right? So we KNOW she can work a hard job: let her make some income working hard.

+1. Everyone knows there is no job more hard than being a housewife with a kid in school. It’s excruciating.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Be aware that indefinite alimony is still a thing in MD; if a judge thinks your spouse is not able to work (vs doesn't want to), that may be an issue.

Possible but unlikely for a 15-year marriage with one child. Less likely if she has a college degree or graduate degrees.

A friend's STB-ex-wife was an attorney who didn't work. Two grown kids plus a 25 year marriage. She tried suing for lifetime alimony, and the judge gave her nothing. The judge did say, "Attorney Smith, you need to start billing some hours."

That’s hilarious. Funny judge.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Be aware that indefinite alimony is still a thing in MD; if a judge thinks your spouse is not able to work (vs doesn't want to), that may be an issue.

He didn’t say that she’s a paraplegic. She can work HARD! Just ask the SAHM brigade about how hard is their job. Toughest job on earth right? So we KNOW she can work a hard job: let her make some income working hard.

+1. Everyone knows there is no job more hard than being a housewife with a kid in school. It’s excruciating.

Exactly. The 6 hours to go to the grocery store and trying to fit in a pedicure AND a Pilates class...KILLER.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I assume there is no way to force on parent to save for or provide for college?

Only via a divorce and child custody agreement which is separate from a court order. My ex-wife is about to find this one out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Be aware that indefinite alimony is still a thing in MD; if a judge thinks your spouse is not able to work (vs doesn't want to), that may be an issue.

He didn’t say that she’s a paraplegic. She can work HARD! Just ask the SAHM brigade about how hard is their job. Toughest job on earth right? So we KNOW she can work a hard job: let her make some income working hard.

+1. Everyone knows there is no job more hard than being a housewife with a kid in school. It’s excruciating.

Exactly. The 6 hours to go to the grocery store and trying to fit in a pedicure AND a Pilates class...KILLER.

Wow. OP’s wife sounds like she definitely needs a push to go back to work, but can we not use this thread as an excuse to crap all over SAHPs?

I work full-time outside the home, but my best friend is a SAHP of three, all of whom are in school now. And I know damn well she is not enjoying pedicures and Pilates every day. She definitely works harder than I do in my office job.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I assume there is no way to force on parent to save for or provide for college?

Only via a divorce and child custody agreement which is separate from a court order. My ex-wife is about to find this one out.

What do you mean your "ex-wife" is about to find this out? You mean your "college age child" is about to find this out, don't you?

I am angry that my ex husband didn't save and doesn't contribute anything to our child's college, even though his parents helped him with college costs. Meanwhile he has money to eat out often and take extravagant vacations. Our child is an excellent student and sees how he spends his money and has lost respect for him as well.

Like many men, you are directing your anger about having to support your child towards your wife. It isn't about her at all. It's about supporting the kid. Pay half without complaint.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I assume there is no way to force on parent to save for or provide for college?

Only via a divorce and child custody agreement which is separate from a court order. My ex-wife is about to find this one out.

What do you mean your "ex-wife" is about to find this out? You mean your "college age child" is about to find this out, don't you?

I am angry that my ex husband didn't save and doesn't contribute anything to our child's college, even though his parents helped him with college costs. Meanwhile he has money to eat out often and take extravagant vacations. Our child is an excellent student and sees how he spends his money and has lost respect for him as well.

Like many men, you are directing your anger about having to support your child towards your wife. It isn't about her at all. It's about supporting the kid. Pay half without complaint.

You have it all backwards. My ex-wife never saved a penny to the children's college fund, during the marriage or after. She also dissipated other substantial marital assets. But she always had a nice new car, and a collection of expensive shoes and purses while I wore rags. She was under the illusion they she had education all figured out, so she withdrew daughter from a solid private school (which I was paying for, happily) and put her in one of the snobbier Montgomery County public high schools where daughter has became involved with some bad kids. Her grades have crashed, and whatever college she manages to get into (York College, Slippery Rock?) she will probably plug into the party scene and fail classes.

I'll never pay half for college. One-third, or nothing. Everyone should have some skin in the game, to quote President Obama. But ex believes I'm going to pony up 100 percent. Surprise!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I assume there is no way to force on parent to save for or provide for college?

Only via a divorce and child custody agreement which is separate from a court order. My ex-wife is about to find this one out.

What do you mean your "ex-wife" is about to find this out? You mean your "college age child" is about to find this out, don't you?

I am angry that my ex husband didn't save and doesn't contribute anything to our child's college, even though his parents helped him with college costs. Meanwhile he has money to eat out often and take extravagant vacations. Our child is an excellent student and sees how he spends his money and has lost respect for him as well.

Like many men, you are directing your anger about having to support your child towards your wife. It isn't about her at all. It's about supporting the kid. Pay half without complaint.

You have it all backwards. My ex-wife never saved a penny to the children's college fund, during the marriage or after. She also dissipated other substantial marital assets. But she always had a nice new car, and a collection of expensive shoes and purses while I wore rags. She was under the illusion they she had education all figured out, so she withdrew daughter from a solid private school (which I was paying for, happily) and put her in one of the snobbier Montgomery County public high schools where daughter has became involved with some bad kids. Her grades have crashed, and whatever college she manages to get into (York College, Slippery Rock?) she will probably plug into the party scene and fail classes.

I'll never pay half for college. One-third, or nothing. Everyone should have some skin in the game, to quote President Obama. But ex believes I'm going to pony up 100 percent. Surprise!

NP:

I am in no way defending your ex-wife, but it may be better to eat the bullet now and be generous with the college funding. I know that’s easier said than done, but your daughter will eventually appreciate the fact that you stepped up for her when you theoretically didn’t have to.

I realize that you are stressed, but you seem a little dismissive of your daughter’s situation. By accepting her failure as a fait accompli, you’re basically checking out when you probably should be pushing her to improve.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Be aware that indefinite alimony is still a thing in MD; if a judge thinks your spouse is not able to work (vs doesn't want to), that may be an issue.

He didn’t say that she’s a paraplegic. She can work HARD! Just ask the SAHM brigade about how hard is their job. Toughest job on earth right? So we KNOW she can work a hard job: let her make some income working hard.

+1. Everyone knows there is no job more hard than being a housewife with a kid in school. It’s excruciating.

Exactly. The 6 hours to go to the grocery store and trying to fit in a pedicure AND a Pilates class...KILLER.

Wow. OP’s wife sounds like she definitely needs a push to go back to work, but can we not use this thread as an excuse to crap all over SAHPs?

I work full-time outside the home, but my best friend is a SAHP of three, all of whom are in school now. And I know damn well she is not enjoying pedicures and Pilates every day. She definitely works harder than I do in my office job.

You have it wrong. We are 100% AGREEing with you. This is the evidence that clearly she can handle a 60 hour/week grueling job and thereby support herself.