Understanding Child Support Obligations After Marriage (No Divorce Needed)

Question
hi there,
I know this is going to sound like a silly question, and I feel like I already know the answer. But here it is -
I have a daughter with an ex - never married. Now I am happily engaged and to be married with another  man - not my daughters father. Her father seems to think that his child support payments will go away once I am married or it will be decreased. I don't feel like it will, as she is not my fiance's child. But for some reason my ex thinks he'll have nothing to pay for her. Is that the case? Or am I right?

Answer
Hi Courtney~

He's sadly mistaken.  No, CS does not stop when one of the parties gets married.  He'll still have to pay CS for your daughter.  The courts can not and do not go by what your fiancee or spouse makes.  They only go by what the parents (meaning your ex and you) make annually.  The reason being is that you are both the only parties that are legally responsible for her (your daughter).  Now if your fiancee decided to adopt her legally, then she would be his legal responsibility, should you ever divorce.  So, yes, you are right in thinking this.  I hope this helps you some.