Among the Ask a Divorce Lawyer questions answered today by Cordell & Cordell attorneys:

• Do I still have to appear in court if I want to cancel a modification request?
• My ex is scheduled to deploy and offered me a family care plan giving part of her parenting time to a "designated person" while she is away. Can she do that?
• Do I have to pay for part of the her daycare expenses?

Among the Ask a Divorce Lawyer questions answered today by Cordell & Cordell attorneys:

• My child support was based on a worksheet that included erroneous gross information for me. Am I stuck paying the wrong amount of child support?
• My wife had some premarital money that we used to buy our first house. Is she entitled to any of that money back?

Among the Ask a Divorce Lawyer questions answered today by Cordell & Cordell attorneys:

• How to handle international custody battles
• What forms do I need to complete a change in child support based on mutual agreement between parents?
• Do I have to file for divorce in order to get the absent parent to provide health insurance?
• Is it possible to have a stepparent adoption reversed?
• My ex and I both agree to me moving out of state with our son, but he won't put it in writing. Am I allowed to move out of state without something in writing?

By Erica Christian

Attorney

Cordell & Cordell, P.C.

Note: This is Part 2 of a two-part series. Click here to read Part 1.

In November, Bristol Palin filed a legal petition seeking sole custody of her and Levi Johnston's minor child, Tripp, and $1,700 per month in child support. Reports indicate that Levi is ordered to pay Bristol $21,561.12 as backpay for support dating back to the date of birth.  Levi has a child support order going forward of $1,688.42 per month. 

The 19-year-old father had a big year in 2009, filled with modeling and acting gigs and income generated from interviews and appearances.  He went from never making more than $10,000 per year to over $100,000 in 2009. 

But are these earnings what the aspiring actor/model can expect to receive in 2010 and thereafter? 

By Erica Christian

Attorney

Cordell & Cordell, P.C.

Note: This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Click here to read Part 2.

Although this is not the scenario you hear on the news everyday, let’s say you had a great year financially in 2009.  Sales were up, bonuses were paid, and overtime was plentiful.  You look at your 2009 W2 and sigh as you know 2010 will be a drastically different year.  You took a pay reduction, sales are crawling, and your boss is talking about potential layoffs.  Well for a person who is ordered to pay child support, this fluke year could drastically affect any modifiable support order. 

Such might be the case for Levi Johnston.  On Nov. 3, 2009, Bristol Palin filed a legal petition seeking sole custody of their minor child, Tripp, and $1,700 per month in child support. Reports indicate that Levi is ordered to pay Bristol $21,561.12 as backpay for support dating back to the date of birth.  Levi has a child support order going forward of $1,688.42 per month.  The 19 year old father had a big year in 2009, filled with modeling and acting gigs and income generated from interviews and appearances.  He went from never making more than $10,000 per year to over $100,000 in 2009. 

But are these earnings what the aspiring actor/model can expect to receive in 2010 and thereafter?