A judge has turned down a request from rocker Neal Schon's ex-wife for increased child support payments and urged her to get a degree to support her family.

Amber Schon, the Journey guitarist's fourth wife, had asked for her monthly $3,000 (£1,875) cheques to be upped to $5,758 (£3,600).

However, a judge at a family court in Minnesota, where the pair divorced, ruled against the proposed increase, insisting her request was "intended primarily to upgrade her own standard of living".

Amber, who has two minor children with Neal, was also told she could earn an annual salary of $36,000 (£22,500) if she completed her teaching degree.

Speaking about his legal victory, Neal tells Tmz.com, "My concern is with my children and I'm infuriated they are being exploited and used to extort money from me."