Brandy Said:

Are the folks who say they can't afford health ins. the same folks who are living above their means?

We Answered:

There is some truth to what you are saying - Child Health Plus is available for kids for around $15/month. However, I'm not sure what states provide that. We do have it in NY.

But, my best friend lives in a $65,000 house - $600 mortgage. No cable, one car, no cell phones... her husband works construction and delivers pizza for extra cash. She stays home to raise her kids and works a job at night.

She is considered working poor - none of their employers offer insurance. Her kids are on CHP, but insurance for herself and husband is too expensive to purchase privately.

Soooo, if one of them were ever seriously ill, or in an accident, their family would be screwed.

They make too much to apply for Medicaid, and too little to pay private insurance which is $500/month.

These are the people caught in between.


But no, if anyone chooses cable, cars and giant houses over the health of their family - a bad choice!

Suzanne Said:

Self Employed Health Insurance?

We Answered:

I purchased insurance from Celtic insurance. They had a good HSA for a family and reasonable rates. Good luck!

Armando Said:

Does anyone know any good and safe natural home remedies for Kidney Stones?

We Answered:

You need water therapy and fresh juices. You can try grapes and apples blended. No Sugar. Drink a lot of juices and water. Get well soon!

Steven Said:

Can we head off an income-based child support order by offering a set amount and having it agreed to?

We Answered:

you could do it and if you both agree the judge will stamp it.
However, you need to remember that she can take you back to court for modification and increase in child support.
Another thing, she would have to be pretty dumb to go for that deal. $100 is NOTHING for two kids. If she even talks to an attorney or a divorced friend with kids she will know she is being seriously shortchanged by this agreement and that may tick her off and send you straight into court.
I would try and get as much custody as I could if I were you, More time with the kids = less child support to Mom. and you get to see the kids.
Gifts are on your dime anyway, I would never agree to that. you love these kids, you are not going to stiff them on BD and Xmas, so I would not try and combine that in with child support
IDK who is going to get stuck with the health insurance premiums, the judge will decide, but your husband is going to be responsible for 1/2 of the uncovered medical and dental costs anyway on top of child support. copays, medications, deductibles,braces - 1/2 will be his in addition to his child support.
Better check the laws in PA also, some states require the noncustodial parent to continue child support through college, some states go to 21 or 23 yr old if kid is in college. post your question on divorcenet.com for your state if you really want some knowledgeable, helpful advice
If you still plan to do it yourself, make sure you include who is going to pay for travel arrangements for visitation

Richard Said:

Child Support modifications....?

We Answered:

this is a very sticky situation. You'll most likely have to fill out the worksheet thing. And in most states. The judges are pretty harsh on these things. They don't take into account his needs, or his families needs. You can get a court appointed lawyer. Some turn out to be pretty ok. Just fight it the best way possible. If you can't get appointed a lawyer. Study up and go in and fight yourselves. My brother is in a very similar situation. So i completely understand where your coming from. Also, don't forget to bring up the guy living with her. If he is helping support the children it may not do much but at least its known.
Also let the courts know that your husband doesn't care to pay for child support. Let everything be known. Her monthly check doesn't count for anything though. They don't look at it at all.