In what way is she "willfully underemployed", but you aren't when you yourself are earning $20,000 per year less? You obviously also have a higher "earning potential", shall the judge assign that potential to you both?

Honestly, we need a few more details here to help.

IMHO--- Perfect question because I am sure you think to ask the if you ask this the Judge will ask the same exact question.

I am not able to reach my earning potential because...2003-2008 I was working for Mercedes Benz and I lost my high paying job due to the crash of the automotive industry. My trade is automotive technician. Obviously I could not go unemployed so I applied to other highline automotive brands however again with the fall of the automotive industry I was not able to get a job. I took a job as a Level 1 technicial with Audi in 2008 and I am still with them. I was earning $80,000 per year at Mercedes Benz which included the following bonuses 1.) Team Leader approx $10,000 of my yearly salary 2.) Road Side Technicial which made up approx $5,500 of my total yearly salary and 3.) Master Certified Level technician which was an additional $350 added to my pay per month.

Now that I am with Audi I am a level 1 technician, there is no such thing as Team Leader Bonus, Roadside Technician Bonus, or Master Certified Bonus. At Audi, we must purchase our own tools and because I do not have the extra income to purchase tools I am very limited to the model of vehicles I can work on. That is why I am am "underemployed" as you said. I cannot earn my "earning potenial" because the "earning potential" at my new job is not available as it was at my last job.

As for my child's mother, she hold's a bachelor's degree in Marketing and works from home selling a different product by phone and I do not have the energy to discuss how she is ok with living off of $1500 per month.

There are many factors the court will consider, unfortunately they really won't ask you anything. It is your job to do the research If you are pro-se (no lawyer) read your state child support guidelines under off sets or deviations. These will be your best source to find a way to lower your support payment in ways that apply to your specific case. If the cp is not earning what she/he could be prove it! Look in the classified section of your paper for jobs that she/he may be eligible for (showing a intent to earn below her capacity).& Bring them to court. Also see if your state has a self support reserve SSR, this is an amount the state cannot use for support in Pa it's $867.00 meaning ONLY whatever you make over $867 is available for support. Good luck!