Expert Advice When You Need It Most

Alimony fears: Am I gonna have money left after child support and alimony?

Asked almost 3 years ago - Los Angeles, CA

I make 10k a month, wife does not work, two kids and 6 years of marriage, I am seeking divorce, california state web calculator show child support near 2400 to 2700 a month. I also read that Alimony is around 40% of the money left. My fear is if my take home is 6000 after taxes and health care. Kids get 2500 and wife gets 40% of 3500, I don't think I can make it with 2000 a month in Los Angeles. Am I screwed or what. I need to have atleast 3500 a month to pay my rent, car, eat and pay for gas. I know all these numbers are approximation but I would appreciate if your answer straighten out my expectations here. Am I gonna bring home 2000 when I am earning 10,000??? Thanks a lot.

Flag

Save

Share with:

Attorney answers (2)

Richard Forrest Gould-Saltman

Reputation Level 18

Answered almost 3 years ago. Family Law Attorney in Los Angeles, CA.

Flag

It appears you may have used the child support calculator incorrectly, and also not used a "tax-adjusted" means to calculate spousal support. Any competent experienced family law attorney in California will have up-to-date support calculation software, and will know how to use it.

Talk to an experienced attorney, even if only for a serious (paid) consultation. In Los Angeles, there's a bunch.

Mark as good answer

4 people marked this answer as good

Add comment

Ronald Anthony Sarno

Reputation Level 20

Answered almost 3 years ago. Litigation Lawyer in New York, NY.

Flag

I would sit down with a Cal attorney and discuss these very questions. Your figures might be overstated.
You might find my legal guide on selecting and hiring a lawyer helpful.
You might find my legal guide on Is it Legal? Is it Illegal? helpful.
You might find my legal guide on the understanding the different court systems helpful.
You might find my legal guide on legal terms used in litigation helpful.
(Even if you are not filing a lawsuit this information can be useful).

You might find Gabriel Cheong’s legal guide on the do and don’t of finances after a divorce helpful.
You might find my legal guide on divorce in general and in NJ helpful.
(Much of this information is valid for unmarrieds who have children together).

Legal Disclaimer:
Mr. Sarno is licensed to practice law in NJ and NY. His response here is not legal advice and does not create an attorney/ client relationship. The response is in the form of legal education and is intended to provide general information about the matter in question. Many times the questioner may leave out details which would make the reply unsuitable. Mr. Sarno strongly advises the questioner to confer with an attorney in their own state to acquire more information.

Mark as good answer

3 people marked this answer as good

Add comment