[hames19]

I am a mother with joint custody of my two older children(15 & 12)with my ex.He was ordered to pay $227 a month and each of us would claim a child on taxes, in 2002. In 2004, he got hurt on the job and ended up on temporary disability for 4 years. During this time, he asked me if I would claim both children on taxes since he couldn't claim them, and except this as pymt for support, along with helping out with school clothes, lunch money,sports equip,etc.( I never had to go to children srvs. We had agreed with each other until recentley.) I agreed that at the time it was the best decision for the children.
Now, he is back to work at the same job, and I know he's making more money than he did in 2002. In this time we both have gotten remarried, and I stay home with our 2 yr old and my ex's wife doesn't work either.My husband does help support his step children,not just financially but everything.It seems the more he does the less their father does. I had asked my ex starting in 2009, that he needed to start paying the monthly 227.00 and he could claim one of the children on taxes. He is now very irritated and said he can't stomach writing me a check that he has his wife write it out of her account.It has only been one week since the 1st check and they both have stated to me that since he is paying the monthly support, that I will be responsible for the clothes,equip.for sports,lunch money,etc.That he will not pay anything over 227.00.He has even gone as far as telling the children that if there is anything they need that they need to come to me.I don't think that anything like this should have been discussed with them. My question is, could I get an increase even though I have joint custody, and is this something that you have to go to court over or what is the procedure? And, will me not working affect this in any way?

[George_1950]

Did you indicate what state you live in? "Child support is the most litigious aspect of a divorce case. Most issues that come up during the divorce process are resolved once and for all by the final decree of divorce but child support and issues surrounding it may go on for years after the divorce is final. Each state has it's own laws and guidelines on how child support is calculated." Child Support - How is Child Support Calculated?

[hames19]

Sorry. I live in Maryland.

[George_1950]

For starters: About.com: http://www.alllaw.com/calculators/childsupport/maryland/

[hames19]

I have been to this web site and that calculator is for sole custody.I have joint legal and joint physical custody.