Really, time and again, on this forum and others, I read about people who are getting anywhere from $25-100 per week for CS, and be damned if I know how you manage?! I'm still in the process with my ex, and maybe it's different in Canada (better or worse? Not sure), but he earned about $76,000 last year, and he'll have to pay about $1000 per month (I have two kids - twins). Even if he ends up having to pay the $1000 spousal I'm trying for, I'll still have a heck of a time making ends meet, and the mortgage payment here is only $600 per month (less than renting would be). I'm angry and annoyed that he'd get away with that small amount, but I'd freak right OUT if the courts said he only had to pay a few hundred bucks per month!

Is it because he's earning more than some of your ex's? Or the difference in the laws? Maybe because I'm not working? Any comparisons and input would be appreciated!

My ex lost his job shortly after the divorce, and has not had a steady one since. He does not pay me any child support.

In the US they also use a "formula" to figure it out, based on the wages of each parent .. etc.

Is it possible for you to work? With the 2000 per month and even a part time job - things might be manageable. I know things are more expensive in Canada ... but isn't it compensated because you don't have to pay out medical?

My rent is 1200 / month and my medical is 500 / month .. and that's only two of many bills.

I'm sure Bobby will jump in on this one - he loves to do the numbers thing. I just trim back where I can, and do my best. The kids understand, now that I am a single Mom, I can't buy them everything they want anymore.

Hang in there

I am in Canada. Not Alberta though.
I have one child. I have a child support order on file with the Family Responsibilities Office. I believe my son's father still earns about give or take 10k of what your ex does, but he works independently and suddenly has stopped filing his taxes and not reporting income.

I have learned that Child Support is not something I can count on. I never filed for or wanted spousal support, just wanted my son's father to contribute in supporting his son.

I earn to support us . It is hard financially sometimes, but we have to make practical choices and adjust lifestyle to have the best life we can..
I can't remember how old exactly your twins are. Toddlers aren't they?
2000.00 a month and 600.00 mortgage. depending on your credit card debt load and car payments that could be doable?
Will you be staying in the house? I believe the ex is entitled to half if any equity there is in the family home.

I live in the states so like InnI said they use a formula. For the the frist 7yrs of my sons life I got 75.00/month. My X seems to for get there are 12 in a year not 2 months LOL I finally got it raised to 266.00 per month and the kicker of it is that's all he can afford finacial right now b/c he remember only making 10.00/per. I'm making 8.00./hr at 35hrs/week. HELLO! I have to say Vermont is the worst and most laxed about CS.

I just make adjustments and live off my monthly income and hope maybe those two months out of the year he has the money taken out of his paycheck. I love tax time. When he files taxes I am his worst enmey! LOL Last year I raked in on back support 1100.00 dollars! Went to back bills and son's summer clothes but it was nice to have it while it lasted.

SPIRIT

here in Australia where I live I get 229 dollars a month child support off Steffi's dad - when we can get it off him. lily's dad doesn't pay any child support

How do I manage...
financially there is no problem now that my son is at school full time (which is free).
I work. I have a good and safe job now.
The first 3 years though it was basically impossible, financially, because I couldn't work and pay child care (child care was too expensive to even dream of being able to do that).
Once they pass their 3rd birthday it suddenly becomes easy, financially, because you can go back to work. That was my experience.
Oh, of course I never got any child support.