It's not so important to know the law BUT your attorney should!

A couple of weeks ago our attorney put in a motion for modification of child support depending on the time sharing agreement. Since DH and BM came to an agreement in mediation over custody and since the agreement they came to didn't affect custody so much that it would change child support, the motion became BMs. BMs attorney was not prepared at all for trial (even though this was the third time BM had asked for a continuance). BMs attorney went in asking the judge for $800/ month for child support without any financial proof going off of what her client was requesting. BMs attorney didn't draw up any child support worksheets, never requested DHs income but because her client wanted it raised she was going to ask for it (which I think doesn't go over well with judges). BM said that DH brags to her about his income (lie). Long story short DHs attorney mopped the floor with BMs attorney, as did the judge. DHs attorney said it was fine with her and her client that CS stayed the same. The judge said there wasn't a substancial enough increase or decrease to support a change. Needless to say BMs attorney had no idea what was going on. I am extremely happy with the outcome. Does paying child support for a child who wants to live with you at least half of the time suck? Hell yeah it does. But at least we aren't paying more just because BM wants us to. So overall it was a good day. BM is already griping about it but then says "it's not about the money." Hmmm, well, you could've fooled me!  (***Look at my previous blogs on CS and custody and you will understand my P.O.V. on CS and why in this case I think that BM IS all about the money.)

My advice is: make sure your attorney is competent. Make sure your attorney knows the laws and is prepared for trial (even if it isn't their motion). The saying "You are what you eat" applies to this case except it should be changed to "You are who you hire." Be prepared to spend some $ if you are going to court. If you hire a "dumb" attorney, you will get "dumb" representation. Happy Monday everyone!!!!!!