Hi everyone,

As a dedicated father, I'm seeking legal resources to help navigate some challenging money-related custody issues in California. I live out of state but make it a point to visit my toddler every month for a week, and we spend extended periods together over the summer. There's a complicated backstory involving abuse and scams in the relationship. I do not plan to move back to San Francisco for personal reasons.

California law has provisions for splitting child care costs, which is where things get complicated. The mother is on long-term disability and is requesting higher child support due to her reduced income. Instead of seeking full-time employment, she claims she is building her own business. Consequently, she seems eligible under the law to cover a significant portion of the child care costs. To make matters worse, she is now citing a 100% salary hike for the nanny, as it is a private payment. The court doesn't seem to absorb any of this information, and I'm making one final attempt. I cannot afford a lawyer at the moment.

She has a history of manipulating the system. Her disability has no physical or mental impairments. The implication of increasing my financial burden is putting a strain on my resources and making my visitation nearly impossible. If anyone has advice or knows of legal resources in California that can assist with these types of financial issues, I would greatly appreciate your input.

Thank you for your support.