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Name: lsjaffee New Member   Title: downward child support

I just lost my $100K job in the magazine publishing industry, which is in a downward tailspin. We agreed on a deal calling for me to pay $2100 a month (which I have been paying since then) in child support with the judge in January, but it still has not been finalized. My lawyer wants me to finish up some paperwork. I'm reluctant, as to get nailed to something that I won't be able to provide unless taking from savings month after month. Is it to late to renegotiate? I've checked with a few other lawyers, and they think it's almost impossible to win a downward request because of my "earning potential" even with the current crappy economy. What do you all think?

Name: singlemommedtodeath New Member

You will probably have to petition the court for another mediation if your state requires mediation. You know your situation better than your lawyer so tell him/her to get on it now and roll the dice. You do have appeal rights also after the fact I'm sure.

Name: lsjaffee New Member

I have 2 kids, aged 10 & 13. My ex is on record that she earns $100K, although we haven't seen tax returns from her for the past 3 years. Are you an attorney?

Name: madalex Member

I don't know how many kids you have, but $2,100 is a lot to pay in child support off a $100K income. If you have lost your job (and have no reasonable prospects for a new job making a comparable income), you must try to bring this number down. If you agree to it now with no job, it will be very difficult to show the requisite "change in circumstances" to bring it down in the future should you remain unemployed for a lengthy period.