Divorce Support Forums: Custody Classification and Support

Wow, where do I begin (awesome website by the way, THANK YOU).

I am divorced in a mutual split. We filed for legal separation after 3 years of marriage with 2 kids. We had no real assests to split, so this was the "easier" way out. We finalized the divorce in court 18 months later.

My problem is this ... I have the kids half of the time! She is listed as the custodial parent and the kids attend school in her district. I live 10 minutes away.

I have the kids 2 days a week on the odd weeks, and 5 days a week on the even weeks. They each have a fully furnished bedroom, a full warddrobe of clothes, we eat home cooked meals each night, and in a heartbeat this could be a full time residence for them.

My intent isnt to take the kids from my ex-wife. My question is that if I provide all of these things, why am I then required to also pay 60% of all of their extracurriculars, medical insurance, unpaid med balances, PLUS 30% of my gross based on an ESTIMATE of my income?

I dont mind the 60% thing - thats more than fair, but why do I pay all the money out to her if I have them half of the time?! The $850 a month I pay out is a backbreaker. In the course of the last 3 years, I have incurred a vehicle repossession, four judgements, I can barely keep the heat and lights on - yet my kids would never know the difference.

I KNOW I am not alone with this problem. Am I just flat out screwed?

By the way, the separation lawyer definately did not look out for my best interest, and the divorce lawyer I had was a friend of mine fresh out of college, and he worked for Guiness beer. NOT recommended.