Need Advice After Support Hearing
Location: I’m in Los Angeles (Post-Judgment). I recently self-represented in an RFO hearing regarding child support and an Ostler-Smith (bonus) modification. Looking for insight on how to handle a ruling that seems to contradict the written order.
The Situation:
• The Order: My 2023 order requires 15% of bonus income above a specific "floor."
• The Conflict: My current base salary is $25k below that floor. I argued that per the literal wording, no bonus support was triggered and I accidentally overpaid $9k.
• The Ruling: The judge (female) agreed with opposing counsel that the "spirit" of the order mattered more than the literal wording. She refused to credit the overpayment or reduce the 15% bonus percentage.
• The Bias: The judge allowed hearsay from opposing counsel regarding my "motives" for changing jobs and labeled me as "over-litigating" despite my ex having a history of false abuse allegations (cleared in 2022) to gain an upper hand in custody. I filed another child support RFO in 2024 and got it reduced $1K/month so I’m not sure how I’m over litigating.
• Other Bias: At the first part of the RFO 2 months ago, the same female judge calculated monthly support using an income for my ex that was $7k lower than her 2025 W-2 and what she verbally said she was making now.
The Settlement Context:
Before the hearing, my ex offered 10% (down from 15%) and a 20% reimbursement of the overpayment. I countered with 50% reimbursement and reciprocity of bonuses because her new job gives her overtime and monthly bonuses. We didn't settle, and I lost everything at the hearing. A court reporter was only present for the second half.
Questions:
- Interpretation: If the judge didn't explicitly rewrite the "floor" language in the new minute order, do I continue to follow the literal wording moving forward, or does the "spirit" ruling set a new precedent?
- Settlement: Is it worth trying to settle for the 10% now, or has my leverage completely evaporated because of the ruling?
- Appellate/Specialist: With the income calculation being factually lower than the W-2, is this a candidate for a Motion to Reconsider or an appeal?
- Court Reporter: How much does the missing transcript for the first half of the hearing hurt my options?