Taking job with pension and benifits after separation - effect on CS and SS

[Serene]

So I don't see how STBX can possibly argue under employment.

I always cringe when I see statements like this. The truth is: anyone can argue what ever the heck they want (really). Whether they will be successful or not is another story.

10K is not a whole lot to drop. The delta between 60K and 70K of salary for two children is $145 a month. I'd surely point this out to your ex and I would ask for her voluntary adjustment in CS under the provision that is likely already in your SA or Order that provides for annual review of CS. However, I don't know if I'd willingly open a can of worms personally and go to court over it just yet if she didn't agree. But that's just me.

You didn't ask, but thought I'd point out... you should be able to get more access since you're living closer now.

Living closer does not denote more access. You must demonstrate that it is in the children's best interest. And this of course, is very subjective. It's not "spending more time with dad is in children's best interests" unfortunately. At the surface that would appear to be true, but you have to PROVE to the court that this is fact. That in itself is harder to do. I point this out because even my husband who is a very involved father before and after his last court appearances, could not convince a judge of this. In fact, the judge scolded my husband and said "it is more convienient for you to spend more time with your kids but you must prove to me that it is in the child's best interests..." of course this could have been smoke and mirrors too. Who knows. I have little faith in the family law system.