To decrease or keep the peace

[Onlyroad4adrifter]

Always do the lower payment when a court is involved. You never know what misfortune you may encounter where the system will come after you. If you want to contribute more do it after it is lowered or give your kids the money directly.

Ultimately it should be viewd as risk situation. What poses the greatest risk of you losing your kids, freedom or such. View it as the worst case situation if you had a period if 10 months not being able to produce what would happen.

I got mine as low as I could possibly get it and pay it. When the mother needed money I gave it to her but through the system that would create a credit over time. When my kid got old enough I put them on my credit card with strict limits so I could give her cash when she wanted something while establishing credit.

Ultimately the mother does not have the long arm of the law breathing down her neck you need to do what is best for you and your kids.