Opinion ID: 1691881
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: reasonable child support

Text: Child support should be a reasonable amount suitable to the children's circumstances and situation in life and the father's financial means and ability to pay. Wallahan v. Wallahan, 284 N.W.2d 21, 27 (S.D.1979). A parent's responsibility to support a child is paramount; other debts are secondary. Park v. Park, 309 N.W.2d 827 (S.D.1981). This includes obligations resulting from remarriage. See Jameson v. Jameson, 90 S.D. 179, 239 N.W.2d 5 (1976); Hrdlicka v. Hrdlicka, 310 N.W.2d 160 (S.D.1981). A trial court has continuing jurisdiction in a divorce action to modify the judgment concerning support and maintenance of the children. SDCL 25-4-45. Blare v. Blare, 302 N.W.2d 787 (S.D.1981). Child support payments can be adjusted even though they were originally based upon a stipulation when the trial court in its discretion determines that conditions have changed. Jameson v. Jameson, 306 N.W.2d 240 (S.D.1981). [] We conclude that the trial court abused its discretion by reducing the level of child support by seventy-five percent. Certainly the return of Chad to his father is a relevant factor for the trial court's consideration. It must, however, be balanced against John's needs, and husband and wife's financial ability to meet those needs. See Hrdlicka, supra; Gross v. Gross, 355 N.W.2d 4 (S.D.1984); Barrett v. Barrett, 308 N.W.2d 884 (S.D.1981). Here, husband's gross income is more than double that of wife. His remarriage has provided him with distinct financial benefits. His new spouse is employed earning an amount in excess of that earned by wife. Because of this income, his living expenses are reduced since they evenly divide household expenses. Husband has a far greater financial ability to meet John's needs than does wife. He clearly has the financial capacity and means to pay an amount substantially in excess of $50 per month. Indeed, an examination of the record provides little evidence to support a reduction of child support to an amount less than $200 per month. Wife has requested attorney fees in her brief. Because she has not filed a separate motion and a verified, itemized statement of costs incurred or services rendered her request is denied. Malcolm v. Malcolm, 365 N.W.2d 863 (S.D.1985). Reversed and remanded.