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Karuuna
Board Administrator
08-31-2000
| Monday, April 26, 2010 - 8:25 pm
In my state, there is legal custody and physical custody. Either can be split unevenly or jointly. So, you can have joint legal custody (equal decision making ability) while having limited physical custody - the most common split is 12/2 or 10/4. Joint physical custody roughly means that the children spend an equal number of nights per year with each parent. While I agree it is difficult to determine what fair child support is, the rules are set, as I said, so that the child's LIFESTYLE is roughly equivalent at both houses. You can't just determine it by mortgate, since a mortgage can be $500 a month, or several thousand dollars per month. To tell someone how much their mortgage should be would be taking away their personal liberty (from a legal standpoint). The law is supposed to equalize the housing on both sides, unfortunately, it doesn't always work that way. And Hukd, FWIW, even if Jon took a job at MacDonalds, he'd have to show the judge that he simply was incapable of getting a better paying job. When my dead beat ex tried to beat the system by simply not working at all, the judge "imputed income" to him - the same income he was making when he last worked, and reduced my child support payments to him accordingly.
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Hukdonreality
Member
09-29-2003
| Monday, April 26, 2010 - 10:05 pm
It could be the same here, Kar, I don't know about that (Jon taking a McD's job). Given the employment situation in this country, and his "celebrity" status, he may have trouble finding a job, period.
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Happymom
Member
01-20-2003
| Monday, April 26, 2010 - 10:39 pm
Lurk and Grooch (I think...if I remember correctly it was you two that mentioned it) the kids were with Jon and it was a school day the first day Kate was back from DWTS. (and they were with her in LA and on the plane ride home). Yes Grooch, they are all school aged and in school. Prisoner thanks for the PA labor laws link. Re: child support. It is determined by a complicated formula here in CA. (Probably every state has a formula.) One thing that is part of the formula is that the child is entitled to be in the same $ and lifestyle situation that the child was in before the parents separated. (Although a judge wouldn't leave a spouse w/o enough money to live on himself or herself.) Also, the person who has the least physical time with the kids has to pay the child support to the parent who has more time physically with the kids because the one who has more time with them needs to spend more $ on things like food for them. Lots of things go into the formula such as private school tuition if they were attending private school before the separation. (I do not know if the Gosselin kids are in private or public school.) There are many other things in the formula to determine child support.
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Happymom
Member
01-20-2003
| Monday, April 26, 2010 - 10:43 pm
And re: taking a job at McD's...here in CA re the parents and their income...they can't just not work or work very little hours to avoid paying child support. A judge won't go for that. They need to be doing what they are capable of doing. It must be tricky now though re: judges awarding child support - because of the economy . I am not sure, but I do not think that child support goes for paying a mortgage. In this case, the mortgage is Kate's to take care of and since she doesn't get spousal support from Jon, it really is hers to manage.
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Seamonkey
Moderator
09-07-2000
| Monday, April 26, 2010 - 11:40 pm
I've known people where the non custodial parent, not living in the house, had to pay at least half of the mortgage, with the idea that when the child turns 18, the spouse who lives in the house must buy out the other or the house must be sold and the profit split. (and in that case the wife refused to maintain the home so he went ahead and did that, regardless of court order) With J/K where each parent stays in the same house for their custodial days, I would think both would pay on the mortgage.. I'm sure if Jon actually ever buys or rents a place where he can bring the kids that could change. (I'm guessing if they can work it out maybe he'd end up in the garage apartment (or maybe he could get a used FEMA trailer and put it in the woods..) If a couple is married a fair amount of time but had big inequity in earning power.. like a younger wife who stayed home while husband was working, maybe with a degree, I've seen a court order spousal support for a specified number of years so the wife could go to school and get a degree.
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Roxip
Member
01-29-2004
| Tuesday, April 27, 2010 - 6:56 am
Why should a child of a celebrity (for instance Eddie Murphy) have to live in a less opulent lifestyle than his or her biological parent or his siblings, simply because his other parent chose to give birth to him? Don't penalize the child because of irresponsible parents! (This from me who has never received a single penny of child support...LOL!) It costs a lot of money to properly raise a child. I understand that it might not cost as much as some people seem to get, but if a father can properly pay it then he should (and same if it is the mother paying). Jon is not trying to provide for his children. He is just trying to maintain some sort of celebrity. I hope he gets his head together and starts behaving like a man instead of like a spoiled brat at some point in the future.
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Escapee
Member
06-15-2004
| Tuesday, April 27, 2010 - 7:49 am
I was not a regular viewer of the show. I watched it a few times here and there. I think I watched the last show, the potty training show, the new carpet show, and that was just bits and pieces of them in flipping back and forth between something else. I saw some reruns. But regular viewer, no, not always, not much.
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Happymom
Member
01-20-2003
| Tuesday, April 27, 2010 - 8:39 am
Sea, I've know someone who did that, when youngest turned 18 they sold the house. It was part of marital property though, not child support. (It wasn't in CA or PA.) Here in CA, 10 years in considered a longer marriage. There are different laws that apply. Judges will take into account things like whether both spouses have earning power etc and will award spousal support which includes money to allow one to go to school in some situations, especially in very long term marriages where one spouse stayed home and took care of the home and kids. They need education and job training. Judges will make sure they get money from the other spouse to do that if necessary. I forgot all about Jon staying in the house with the kids on his visitation days. I'm sure they have a very complicated divorce settlement agreement.
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Puzzled
Member
08-27-2001
| Tuesday, April 27, 2010 - 9:10 am
My daughter's ex tried that gambit of not working. The judge was totally unsympathetic--read him the riot act, sent him to jail for a few weeks, and ordered him to pay child support. So, the judge might order Jon to pay a percentage of what he could be earning as a computer guy. Guess it all depends on the laws in PA.
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Seamonkey
Moderator
09-07-2000
| Tuesday, April 27, 2010 - 4:56 pm
Sounds like the lyrics of Makin' Whoopee.. Jon's theme song.. Another bride, another June Another sunny honeymoon Another season, another reason For makin' whoopee A lot of shoes, a lot of rice The groom is nervous, he answers twice Its really killin' That he's so willin' to make whoopee Now picture a little love nest Down where the roses cling Picture the same sweet love nest Think what a year can bring, yes He's washin dishes and baby clothes He's so ambitious he even sews But don't forget folks, Thats what you get folks, for makin' whoopee Another year, maybe less What's this I hear? Well, can't you guess? She feels neglected, and he's suspected Of makin' whoopee Yeah, she sits alone, Most every night He doesn't phone, he doesn't write He says he's busy, But she says, "Is he?" He's makin' whoopee Now he doesn't make much money Only five thousand per Some judge who thinks he's funny Says, "You'll pay six to her." He says, "Now judge, suppose I fail?" Judge say, "Budge. Right into jail. You'd better keep her. I think it's cheaper Than makin' whoopee." Yes, yeah, you better keep her Daddy, I think it's cheaper Than makin' whoopee Comes to mind because it is one of the songs on the CD of music from Sleepless in Seattle that I find some of my older patients enjoy hearing as we drive..
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Shenanagon
Member
07-28-2009
| Wednesday, April 28, 2010 - 6:07 am
TMZ.com has an article about Jon and Kate that's hopeful TMZ has learned Jon Gosselin will drop his legal case against Kate Gosselin for custody and child support. Even more shocking ... they seem to be getting along. Sources connected to the situation tell TMZ Jon never really believed Kate was an "absentee mom," as his fired lawyer alleged while she was on "Dancing with the Stars." We're told Jon and Kate are trying to hash out a custody and child support agreement that is more up to date than the one that is currently in place. Fact is ... Kate is making serious money and Jon isn't. And, he's shown more of an interest in being with the kids than he did during the divorce proceedings. Will Kate let Jon appear on her spin-off show? Well, memba the old saying, "Burn me once ...."
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Happymom
Member
01-20-2003
| Wednesday, April 28, 2010 - 8:25 am
That would be so great for all of them if they can make peace, be cordial, and who knows, maybe even be friends someday. Whether or not Kate would want Jon on her show probably doesn't matter. TLC may not want anything to do with Jon and may never let him on any of their shows.
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Jimmer
Moderator
08-30-2000
| Wednesday, April 28, 2010 - 8:46 am
My impression of TLC is that their priority is making money. If they think that Jon being on the show will make more money then they'll have him back in an instant.
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Brenda1966
Member
07-03-2002
| Wednesday, April 28, 2010 - 9:00 am
TLC would be wise to realize that Jon had a big fan following. Now wether or not those fans are gone do to his recent adolescent behavior remains to be seen, but Jon had a following, just like Kate had/has one. Yes, I hope they can agree to get along, make peace. That was their original plan, which they both lost sight of.
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Lurknomore
Member
07-07-2001
| Wednesday, April 28, 2010 - 10:13 am
WAY too many lawyers and outside opinions, if you ask me. All likely with plans and agendas of their own, while saying it's best for their client/friend. Brenda, ITA. They started out w/a plan that genuinely sounded in the best interests of not only the kids but both of them. Then tons of lawyers and advisors got involved, and seems to me a lot of money has likely been lost, along with a MUCH better situation for ALL involved. Pity!
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Seamonkey
Moderator
09-07-2000
| Wednesday, April 28, 2010 - 12:11 pm
Jon had the first shark type lawyers but I do think he was just continuing his passive ways.. with Kate he might have grumbled but he was well fed, surrounded by cute kids and they had a good income and nice place to live. With the father and son attorney and "manager", Hailey and Michael Lohan, things spun out of control. Not to say Jon didn't go along with it and his greedy side was enabled. But whatever, I hope this will be good for the kids to see. Certainly if they can work together for the sake of the kids that is a very good thing. And if he can be released of some burden and then not see the kids as either a drain on him, or as objects to grab in order to take in more income, great.
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Kellsma
Member
08-27-2002
| Thursday, April 29, 2010 - 6:24 pm
Hmm, maybe Kate's 15 minutes are over. No one is buying her latest book. http://blog.zap2it.com/thedishrag/2010/04/kate-gosselins-letters-are-not-getting-read.html
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Ophiliasgrandma
Member
09-04-2001
| Friday, April 30, 2010 - 6:10 am
I am sorry this didn't work out for her. I wish her much success in her future ventures.
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Shenanagon
Member
07-28-2009
| Friday, April 30, 2010 - 8:00 am
I don't believe Kate will fold over a lack lustre book sale. She's strong. She's intelligent and she's got every single mom who's husband cheated staunchly at her side. I envision Kate breaking into real news. Call me crazy. But she's a catalyst for emotions. People connect with her.
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Brenda1966
Member
07-03-2002
| Friday, April 30, 2010 - 8:11 am
Jon didn't cheat. She dumped Jon, told him it was over. He moved on. Now one could argue that he moved on too soon, but the marriage was over. Maybe Fox has a place for Kate, if you call that real news. But the day she's on CNN as a correspondent is the day a wrench goes flying through my TV screen. 
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Hukdonreality
Member
09-29-2003
| Friday, April 30, 2010 - 8:11 am
Yup, I'd never count her out. She has her new show(s) coming up, so she won't let this get in her way. I haven't sold ANY books, and I'm doing o.k., lol
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Marameko
Member
07-15-2002
| Friday, April 30, 2010 - 8:59 am
Lack of interest in Kate is due imho to over saturation. Please just take good care of your kids, invest your money well and be gone from me seeing your mug on tv.
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Kittyab
Member
07-15-2005
| Friday, April 30, 2010 - 11:48 am
So has Jon stopped working? Is not paying child support? As for the breakdown of child support... With having the One Princess in my house... my light, water, & heating has gone up. My food bill has gone up. Clothing costs has gone up (I dont buy myself new things either!) My day care is $775 a month (mind you she is going to great place because well she is a Princess afterall). Then you have the after school activities... Alison is in our local swim club. Just loves it. That runs us about $500 a year. Worth it but still gotta pay for it. Then there is the month contributions to her college fund.... Kids aint cheap. Good thing they are cute!
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Hukdonreality
Member
09-29-2003
| Friday, April 30, 2010 - 11:50 am
If I had kids, I would sell advertising spots on their tee shirts. After all, it takes a village to raise a child, so why shouldn't the village pay for them? j/k

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Shenanagon
Member
07-28-2009
| Friday, April 30, 2010 - 12:19 pm
You're right Brenda real news was too much. I should have said a talk show or something where she can use her connection with women in a way to build on this fan base that she has. Something real. I think reality has waned, is waning. Folks want more real. At least I do. I'd like to see Kate do something positive with her fame that both helps her and her kids and other women. I think she could do it. And if she kicked Jon out then you're right again Brenda, I never watched the shows so I'm pulling my foot out of my mouth on that comment too. I assumed Jon cheated because of the tabloid articles. See what I get for assuming 
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