Is it ever wise to waive a child support payment in return for spousal cooperation or more time with the child?

I no longer absolutely need the child support since I remarried.

talaniman

How about socking that money away for your childs future needs. Yes this is unwise, as you never know what will happen. His father can see him anytime you let him as it is, and spousal cooperation? Whatever that means.

Fr_Chuck

The money is actually not yours, it is the childs, for his care and raising, and not really a matter but it is suppose to raise the childs level of care to a point it would have been at if both parents were caring for the child.

And as noted, since it is the childs, you actually personally don't have that right not to collect it for the child, If you don't need to spend it, put it in a childs account for his future

Visitation and child support are not connected, one is a obligation and the other a right, and both are court ordered.

lacuran8626

No. There is no way to mandate cooperation so if he's a manipulative, immature or uncooperative now, he will just become a manipulative, immature, uncooperative, deadbeat you relinquish child support. Nobody should be given financial incentive to be cooperative as a parent- they should do that simply because it's in the best interest of the child and both parents.

Take the money and if you don't need it, put it into investments for your child. You may be doing great but what if your child wants to go to medical school, have a lavish wedding, or you want to help them buy a house down the line? What if your new husband bugs out? Never turn down money for your child! Even if you are rich, it's important that your child know that his or her father contributed to their needs financially.

If you need a revision in your visitation schedule, see an attorney and see how you can get that done as a totally separate issue. Your ex is not paying for time with the child - he is paying for his share of the cost of raising a child. If it's in the child's best interest to change the visitation schedule, pursue that issue separate from child support.

I have recently learned that changes in visitation schedules are almost expected by most courts as children grow, as are adjustments (generally increases to accomodate cost of living) to child support payments.

Momsside

Personally, regardless of being remarried, I would never stop fighting for what my children deserve from their father. From my experience, it may never come, but I will always keep the case active just in case. Deadbeats already get away with too much!

MsCrabtree

Questions to consider: The new spouse wants to take his money and pay for another man's responsibility for life? What happens when the new spouse is no longer around? Will you want support from the father then? Has the father expressed financial hardship? If so, he can file for a child support modification. You can also direct the court to have him maintain a savings trust for the child or college savings plan for the child, if you don't want to do it. What happens when your child needs a medical procedure, a car, tuition costs, braces?I understand you want to appear peaceful. Never make a man pay for another man's child, if the father is able to do so. Your new spouse will resent it in the long run when he has a child of his own with you or experiences a financial setback. Your PRIORITY role is to look out for your child, not to make your ex feel better. Good luck.