cost of living difference

[2teens]

I live in Arizona and my ex lives in California. He say's that because the cost of living is higher in California he makes more money than he would if he lived here in Arizona and that his child support should be adjusted to reflect that difference. Does anyone have any information on why the courts don't see it that way?

2teens

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

I live in Arizona and my ex lives in California. He say's that because the cost of living is higher in California he makes more money than he would if he lived here in Arizona and that his child support should be adjusted to reflect that difference. Does anyone have any information on why the courts don't see it that way?

2teens

My response:

There is case law on this subject. But, in a nutshell, and putting this as simply as I can, the courts in California would go crazy, and the system would come to a screaching halt, if the courts were required to conduct a study of each States' and each towns' "Standard of Living and Cost of Living Index" for each case of support being heard. It would be a preposterous and unworkable situation.

That's why when a California court has jurisdiction, all awards of Spousal Support and Child Support are based upon California's mathematical guidelines. Such support is ordered based upon the "standard of living" each spouse and the children "enjoyed" while living in California - - not some other State (which is the whole reason behind "jurisdiction" in the first place).

He will fail in his attempts.

IAAL

 

[2teens]

thank you for your response. i'm sorry if i didn't make it clear however that arizona is the state with jurisdiction. i think i understand your answer to be applicable to arizona as well or to any state that has jurisdiction. is that right?

2teens