Leaving the Military for a Civilian Job

[sgt93]

How hard will it be to get my child support amount changed? I am going from hte military to a police officer and I believe my support payment will go from around $723 a month to $600. I am getting out so I can see my daughter more. I will be working a 14 day work schedule with 3 days on and 4 off and 4 days on 3 off and so on. All and any help would be appreciated. I am in Illinois.

[aaron]

You would petition for modification of your support based upon your lower income. It is possible that your ex- would ask the court to impute a higher income based upon your earning capacity and the voluntary nature of your reduction in pay, such that the support amount is not decreased, so it makes sense to consult a local lawyer.

[sgt93]

Being in the military I am on a contract though. It isn't a normal job by any means. i can't imagine there would be too much of a problem especially when the payment isn't going to drop all that much. Maybe a 100 dollars. Have you dealt with this?

[aaron]

Not in Illinois.

[sgt93]

All of you have been extremely helpfull to me and I appreciate all of your responses. I have 11 years in the Marines and the reason I came on recruiting duty is so I can see my daughter. I have never been married to her mom and right now my daughter lives 1.1 miles away from me! And I still have trouble seeing her due to the fact that I work non stop and weekends!!! What is a weekend!? I only have about 18 days left in the Marines and I am so excited for the fact that I will get to serve my community and help people (The reason why I joined the Marines). And I can't wait fot the new work schedule 4 on 3 off 3 on 4 off with a 3 day weekend every other weekend! I will not even know what to do with myself! I will see my daughter more, that I can tell you. And I will try to enjoy life a little! I'm located in Champaign COunty in Illinois and when I went through a year long custody battle it was hard. My daughters mom had charges a few years against her by the state for child battery and I still didn't have a chance at custody due to the fact that I am a Marine and move constantly so and so fourth. I hope the judge will see it differently now but I am worried. I love my daughter to death and I assure you I am no dead beat dad. My daughter is my life. Thank you all again for your comments of encouragement. -Steve