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? 

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

• Questions about a mutually-owned home during a divorce
• My ex wife got a restraining order against me so I can't even go to our church. What can I do?
• I was awarded my 401(k) and pension in our decree.My has threatened to take me back to court to get half of it. Can she do this?
• I've been paying maintenance for seven years and will retire soon. What factors will determine my chances of ending or reducing maintenance payments when I am on a much lower fixed income?

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

• Three of my four sons are now out of the house. Can get the order changed to pay only child support to my one son and no more maintenance?

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

• Do I have any say in my wife's and children's living arrangements while we're going through a divorce?
• How can I keep my ex from repeatedly filing motions because she doesn't like the outcome?
• Our decree says we have to meet halfway to exchange the children, but both of us have since moved. So does the halfway rule still apply?
• I got married in the Philippines, so does the marriage apply here in the U.S.?