Just to start off, I just want to vent and ask a question that feels like I get the stink eye from people every time. I understand the purpose of child support and it is something that is needed.

Just to give you a little background. We had a beautiful baby boy in 2007 and agreed the relationship was not working so we left each other. She had become upset and made it very difficult for me to see him. It hurt, but I was young and didn't put the effort towards seeing him as I should. I moved away about a year later for a better job opportunity and even though she was upset with me she never really talked about child support, but when I did have money I would try to help. Less than I should have (and no did not keep track of it, no statements or check duplicates).

Two years have went by and I received papers saying that I will owe 9800 in back child support. I kind of just said to myself, "Shit, what did I get into? Well, ok I have to take care of this." I called the agency and said that if I didn't have the money within 14 business days I would have a bench warrant. I panicked took a line of credit out to pay for the debt (19% interest). I will admit this is my fault. During the mediation process, it was over the phone because of the distance, it seemed like he was after me. I was cooperative and stated what my circumstance was and where I was working. They determined that over that period that I should have owed around 400 dollars a month in back child support. They also determined that I will provide all health and dental insurance and half of all other costs related to hobbies and school. At the time she was not working therefore my obligation would be higher percentage of the support.

So here we are today, I pay 489 in support, 120 for health and dental, and about 40 to 50 month in misc. I struggle, I make 777 after taxes every 2 weeks. My rent is 625 alone for a place in a bad area. I have the loan to pay the back support (which is finally down a ways, its been 3 years). I am a full time student now, so I am trying to improve my situation. I just don't know how to continue to live like this... I know I shouldn't look at her situation this way but, she doesn't work, she goes to school, has a boyfriend to help her.

Last week I received a letter that our case will be reviewed again and based that she is till not working, my projected obligation will be 587. I honestly feel like I will never advance in society. The case worker that I talk to tells me the more I make, the more I will pay. Is there anything I can do? I know the obvious is to get a part-time job on top of what I do.

Beat me up, give me knowledge, tell me about your personal experience. Any knowledge or LPT would be appreciated.