My boyfriend has been paying child support for a daughter that he made on a one night stand. Granted he wants to be a father NO MATTER WHAT, he seems to be paying too much to provide for our daughter and our expenses as a family. Is there any way that he can get these lowered so that we can be a family and make it on our own without his mothers help? If not, could I claim child support to maintain a steady income rate for our family?

ALSO, could he receive joint custody when they weren't married in the first place? And would that also decrease his child support amount?

Would you only want joint custody to reduce the child support?

It would mean that you would have to provide half of all clothing, medical and educational needs.

If he wants a reduction in support due to changed circumstances, he has to go to Family Court and petition for a modification of support and/or custody. There is no way for us to tell whether there are sufficient grounds for the court to issue a modification.

Depending on the age of the child its not likely he will get joint physical custody so that there is a 50/50 split in time. And frankly, while that MAY reduce your support payments it will be offset by the increase in your home expenses.