[jocon307]

"they don't say how much he pays but mentioned that the 2 parents pay about the same (dad pays a couple hundred dollars more)"

But, I think the situation here, and why it went to court, was that originally the dad was paying $0.00 in child support. They just each went about their lives with the kids and only if a big expense came up would either have to part with a specific amount of $$. Then, even when the mom started working part time she supplemented with other income from investments, etc. and still did not get a "child support" income from ex-hubby.

Now, she wanted to stop working all together and have him provide a monthly (annual, whatever) "stipend"; and I guess she'll get it now. But, as the kids are older, and as the father does have a great ability to pay, I suppose it's ok for these people. But what I really got out of this article is how really bad a way that is to life one's life as a parent.

[cajungirl]

I felt sorry for the kids, one week with mom, one week with Dad. How can a kid deal with that? It just seems so disruptive unless they live around the corner from each other.

[tfecw]

oooh that's interesting. I guess it doesn't really make sense for the mother to pay dad x amount of dollars and for dad to pay mother pretty much the same right back ;)

[malakhi]

But, I think the situation here, and why it went to court, was that originally the dad was paying $0.00 in child support.

No. Since their income was nearly equal, and since their placement was equal, he was essentially paying no child support to his ex-wife. He did, however, pay for half of the support of his children -- during the 50% of the time he had placement of them.