Good news!

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-19-2003
Good news!
7
Sat, 11-06-2004 - 7:19am
Well, I finally heard about my job (the second job I've been trying to get), and I start training today! It's only $6.50 an hour, but everything I make on this job will go to paying down debt. Hopefully I won't have to work two jobs for long, because I hate to take that time away from my daughter, but for now it just has to be this way. We have talked and she understands. Some of my friends have been laying a guilt trip on me since it is just me and my daughter and they say I shouldn't do it, should try to get more child support (I only get $250, and most of the time he is behind), so that irritates me. I wouldn't do it if I didn't have to. And going after more child support would just cost me more money that I don't have to pay a lawyer. Anyway.... training starts today. I have a day out planned with my daughter tomorrow, then I plunge into two jobs next week. She wants us out of debt as badly as I do, so she is supportive. Our goal is to buy a house by her graduation (May of 2007... she's 16 now), and we want this to work. It will probably take me that long to get my credit on track (last I checked, my score was around 550... blah).

Wish me luck!!!!

gomom99

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-31-2003
In reply to: gomom99
Sat, 11-06-2004 - 8:28am
Congrats on the second job! I think it is *awesome* that you are willing to work so hard to get ahead. Your daughter is old enough to understand, and she does! That's so great!

Good luck today, and let us know how it goes!

BK




iVillage Member
Registered: 09-20-2004
In reply to: gomom99
Sat, 11-06-2004 - 8:31am
Congrats on the second job.
I can't relax, tension is holding me together!

Jenny

Avatar for mymartes
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
In reply to: gomom99
Sat, 11-06-2004 - 9:23pm
Congrats on the 2nd job.

Don't let anyone make you feel guilty. As long as your dd is supporting you on this, it doesn't matter. It sounds like you two have a great relationship.

I don't know about the state you live in. However, in New York (where i live) child support is based on 17% of the gross income.

Again, congrats on the second job.

MYM

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-21-2004
In reply to: gomom99
Mon, 11-08-2004 - 9:52pm
Good luck. If you have your daughters support then it should be so much easier. Its great she wants this for you as much as you want it for you. I hope you achiever your goals and dreams.
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-01-2004
In reply to: gomom99
Tue, 11-09-2004 - 7:33am
That is wonderful Kudo's to you! Best wishes!
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-16-1999
In reply to: gomom99
Tue, 11-09-2004 - 10:14pm
Be aware that in all 50 states and a number of other countries you can have child support services for free (only exception is NY but the charges are minimal). Will you get the same service as a private attorney? Nope. You will be one of many people in any given caseload? Yup! But right now you don't have enough and can't afford to make the attempt to get more or to enforce what you have. What do you have to lose? The way child support is calculated is handled differently in each state. Some use a % others have formulas that are mandated by the state. You have nothing to lose. The more you get the easier it will be to care for your daughter. Understand that nobody can promise you success. But the fact remains that the amount of child support collected increases each year as the state and federal government enhance the enforcement tools. Perhaps you can benefit from it. If nothing else they can intercept his IRS return. Most states will handle the modification for you at no charge and can pull his drivers license if he falls behind. It can be a frustrating process. You know the guy. If he was not responsible when you were with him, he may not be now. If he works a legit job the earnings can be tracked. I think states charging application fees have a cap of about 25.00. Most provide everything including the attorney at no additional charge. You may have to be patient since many people use the services of child support agencies. But... free is free. In the meantime you have taken an additional positive step toward independence for yourself and your daughter.
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-19-2003
In reply to: gomom99
Tue, 11-09-2004 - 11:28pm
I've actually thought about trying to get a child support increase, but I know him. He is self-employed and makes over twice my income. The problem is that he hides some, gets paid in cash sometimes, basically doesn't report everything, like kind of stuff. I know this for a fact. He reported his income last year as only $18000, and he bought a house last year that cost him $269000! Like a mortgage company is going to give someone that kind of money on an $18000 a year income???? He fudged, just like always. If I go after an increase, he will either work only for cash, or stop working all together and live off of the new wife's income (and her child support, ironically). He usually pays for a month or two, then doesn't for a month or two. Can't depend on him, that's for sure. But then I never could, that's why he's an EX-husband. ;-)

As far as the new part time job, it's going pretty good. I've had three days now, and so far everyone is nice and things are going well. It's a new store and should be opening in a couple of weeks, so there is lots of cleaning, stocking shelves, putting things together, but I keep busy and the time goes quickly. And I feel like it's a positive thing, even though I'm really tired. My daughter has been great, she even fixed dinner last night. Now if I could only get an IV of caffeine to carry around with me. ;-)