I am a reliable parent who has never missed or been late on a C/S payment. I was laid off 3 years ago and subsequently found a GREAT job. My ex and I settled approx 8 years ago on $430 per month support. I have increased it voluntarily to $500 about a year ago. She now wants an increase. My daughter is now 15. I believe her claim is valid. I offered $700 per month with increases to $750 on 16th birthday and $800 on 17th birthday. She said "No way, I want to see what you are supposed to be paying". Her lawyer faxed me forms for filling out the disso-master. I have not sent them back as yet because I know I will be brutalized by that system. My questions is, does she have the right to a dramatic increase (probably 3 times what I pay now) or is there some kind of standard cost of living type increase? Is it really true that any kind of career change or just increase in living she would be entitled to that? Please help!

I am a reliable parent who has never missed or been late on a C/S payment. I was laid off 3 years ago and subsequently found a GREAT job. My ex and I settled approx 8 years ago on $430 per month support. I have increased it voluntarily to $500 about a year ago. She now wants an increase. My daughter is now 15. I believe her claim is valid. I offered $700 per month with increases to $750 on 16th birthday and $800 on 17th birthday. She said "No way, I want to see what you are supposed to be paying". Her lawyer faxed me forms for filling out the disso-master. I have not sent them back as yet because I know I will be brutalized by that system. My questions is, does she have the right to a dramatic increase (probably 3 times what I pay now) or is there some kind of standard cost of living type increase? Is it really true that any kind of career change or just increase in living she would be entitled to that? Please help!
Although most state's have guidelines to use, CA. uses the disso-master as thier guidelines. Whatever the disso-master (or guidelines in other states) shows as the appropriate CS for income, that is what can be ordered. The ONLY way to avoid that is if you and ex can come to an agreement for less and get a Judge to sign it.