Two Part Question Stepmother And Child Support Arrears

by Teresa
(Iowa)

Question one. I just married my husband. He has 3 kids that he pays child support for. Recently I was told his ex wife was going around town saying as soon as we file taxes she is going to request a child support change once she can see my income. She apparently thinks I am making big bucks. So not true. I make about 35,000 a year, and my husband makes less than 12,000. Now I am wondering if we should file separately in case she does request to see his tax forms...could they raise his child support based on my income listed the tax return, even though I am the just the stepmother????

Question two. The children and mother live on a Nebraska reservation. Out of spite, she filed for child support payment with the reservation and ALSO with the state of Nebraska so he had both of them coming after him for his monthly payment. He contacted the tribal court and told them the situation. They said the court order is thru them and he is to make payments to them. In the meantime, we get a bill every month from Nebraska saying he didn't pay, send it right away, and each month is added to arrears which is growing and growing. Again we contact the tribal court which tells us they sent letters to Nebraska telling them the money is owed to them and not the state. So we think its being taken care of and then another statement from Nebraska comes!!! We've called both Nebraska and the tribe's court and get the run around. So now it appears he is in $12,000 in arrears with NE even though he has been paying the tribe all along. WHAT DO WE DO!!