But you also have to realize that heading to a court is the recommended last course of action. That's why I said a divorce is different. You have to go through the courts to initiate and complete a divorce. With an OOW child, it's always recommended that both parents set up and agree to a co-parenting schedule, go through a legal mediator to settle any disputes, then take their grievances to court if it can't be settled.
You can go to court straight away with an OOW, but you're just going to get killed with fees that don't go towards raising the child. On top of that, if there is no pattern or dispute, or history of co-parenting, what is the judge going to base their decision off of - state law, which is automatically skewed toward the mother in most cases, and the child's age. At least if you attempt to co-parent, the judge may (huge may) rule in your favor if she has exhibited a history of broken promises and careless finances.
There's no reason at all to not get things legalized. Even if all you do as a couple is put in writing each of you what you're going to do and go to court and have a judge sign off. If the couple is in agreement there isn't any drama at all to court.
In my experience the only fees you get hit with for cs is if you're not paying what you're supposed to pay. Payroll deduction from the non custodial parents check goes to cse, cse disburses it to the custodial parent. Easy peasy.
I'm a custodial parent and a non custodial parent.
Shut up, bytch.
I'm not quite sure I understand your dilemma.