I am seeking a divorce and my husband wants me to pay child support?

Can he ask me to pay child support for his kids from a previous relationship?

coragryph2006-05-15T12:11:54Z

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See above on the general rule that you are only financially responsible for your own children (legal or adopted), and the advice to speak to an attorney.

The thing to remember about child support is that it is determined (ordered) by the court based on the needs and interests of the child. Both parents (whether biological or adopted) are financially obligated to care for a minor child. The custodial parent is credited toward some of that financial obligation based on providing food/clothing/shelter and other necessary living expenses for the child.

But once that is factored in, both spouses are still obligated to provide for the needs of the child, and that obligation is split based on relative income. In the past, men tended to make more money than women, and women tended to have custody. Thus, in most situations, the woman's share was mainly provided through room+board and related expenses, and the man contributed additional money to satisfy his share of the total. But the basic ideas in the formula for calculating the total has not changed, and it's based on the contribution of each parent (biological or adopted).

afreeman200352522006-05-15T12:04:23Z

You are under no legal obligation to pay him child support for his kids from a different relationship unless you legally adopted them. If you legally adopted them, then you're on the hook for support. Get a lawyer.

Anonymous2006-05-15T12:06:48Z

Children from a previous relationship are not your responsibility. If you made an extremely large amount of money he could try and make you pay for his lifestyle that he has come accustom to. Meaning you giving him money so he can live like he did when married to you.

Anonymous2006-05-15T12:07:47Z

He can ask, but getting is another story.If they are step children to you and you never legally adopted them or were awarded guardianship, then he is a money grubbing moron, who will won't even get a descent lawyer to petition for child support, they might enjoy the laugh though.

Mr. Lou Zerr2006-05-15T12:03:18Z

I hope he gets the child support, right or wrong. It's about time women started FEELING the pain of being a MAN.

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