Hello All,

Background:
Looking for some help and guidance. I am attempting to change my child support arrangement with my ex-wife because it is freaking killing me financially and has been since the day I got divorced; however, I dealt with it because I was making decent money and still finding ways to make ends meet. That is all changing as I'm now laid off. I'm doing some part time consulting occasionally; however, it's not steady enough to be relied upon for long. Obviously I'm searching like heck to find a new permanent gig. However, I'm sure my next gig won't pay anywhere near my old salary (at least not initially, I'm expecting to take a dip of 35 - 40%).

Specifics Regarding Divorce Agreement:
We have a 50/50 shared custody arrangement. We each have the kids for 7 nights out of every two week period. I've been paying ex-wife about 27% of net in child support and a small fixed amount in alimony ($700). My goal is to end the child support payments altogether since we both have the kids equal amounts of time. I'd even be OK with continuing child support at a much lower rate due to the differences in income between she and I (although part of the reason for the difference is that she quits every decent job that she gets).

We're at the point now where the alimony is up for review for the first time since the divorce was finalized. Yes, I have a lawyer. I am working with the same guy who did the original agreement. He seems very reluctant at trying to tackle a change to the child support arrangement (I suspect part of the reason is that he was deeply engaged in writing the original agreement). I am trying to push him to go and tackle it. Obviously, I wish that I had pushed back on the agreement when we first did it. However, my lawyer (same guy) was coaching me that this was going to be a good deal. It wasn't until after the divorce was finalized and I started sharing more with people that I came to start wondering if my deal was a good deal. Most others I've spoken with who had shared custody deals are paying zip in child support. That's what I want!

My questions:
1) Am I even in the right ball park regarding shared custody agreements? Do most people get into a shared custody arrangement and pay zip in child support?

2) Am I barking up the wrong tree trying to use the same lawyer to change an agreement that he made? (*Note: The guy came highly recommended by some of his peers. Although, it took me about 30 seconds watching him in front of the judge to realize that while I'm paying the bill, he feels like he has to keep his rapport with the judge and OC intact to help him with his other cases. *)

3) What info can I present to my current attorney to help move him to feeling like he needs to work hard for me to get this change (if it's even possible)?

Thanks for reading and I appreciate any full or partial answers to my questions.

In some states even if you have shared custody then one parent may be still required to pay child support.
It depends on your state' laws.

I would not use the same lawyer you had before. If you don't him/her, then forget it.
I would find myself another lawyer, tell him/her the whole story, and let them handle it. I do wish you the best, and good luck.
I am not a lawyer, nor a professional in this area. I did go through a divorce, after 7 years of marriage.

I will agree, just having 50/50 does not mean you will not pay support, in some states , GA is an example, it looks at the number of days and the income,

If for example you make a lot more than ex, then you still pay support even with 50/50

But that depends on state,
Also if you have less income, a lot less, you can modify the order based on income change also.

A change in support order should have been filed and been part of the new custody agreement

Support is based on income. If you income changes, you can certainly ask the court to review the support award and modify it. If you lawyer is reluctant to do this, I would get another attorney.

As noted, having shared custody does not necessarily mean shared support. It depends on local laws.

Also, unless you both live in the same school district, shared custody won't work with school age children.

Thanks for the help folks.

At this point I am seeking a second opinion from a second attorney. I'm not ready to drop my current attorney because he appears to be well respected in the area (I was originally referred to him by a former divorce attorney who left the business, then referred to him again by a second attorney and her law partner because they don't do work in my county).