How Is Child Support Spent?

 Posted on September 07, 2016 in Child Support

When a couple with children divorces, the court determines numerous issues related to their children's care after the divorce. These issues include a parenting time schedule, allocation of parental responsibilities, and an appropriate amount of child support. Child support is money paid from one parent to the other to help to cover the costs of caring for the child. Generally, this is paid to the parent who has the majority of the parenting time with the child.

If you have been ordered to make child support payments, you probably want to know what the money is allocated to cover. Certain expenses, such as childcare and healthcare insurance, may be ordered outside of your child support order. Below are a few examples of what child support may be used to cover. If you have evidence that your former partner is not using the child support you send on these items and instead, on his or her own personal expenses, speak with a family lawyer about modifying your child support payment or altering how the money is disbursed to ensure it reaches your child.

The Costs of Living with a Child

Having a child in one's household causes all household expenses to be higher than they would without the child. A few examples of this include the need for more space, thus increasing one's rent or mortgage cost, higher utility bills, and the need for a larger vehicle to transport the child. All of these expenses add up, putting a substantial financial burden on the parent in whose home the child resides for the bulk of his or her time.

Basic Necessities

Basic necessities like food, clothing, and healthcare needs that are not covered by insurance, such as bandages and over-the-counter pain relief, may be purchased with child support money.

Entertainment

Although it is not a necessity, most courts agree that children are entitled to basic entertainment, such as books, movies, and toys. Child support may be spent on these things.

Academic Needs

Child support may be used to pay for a child's academic needs, which can include school supplies, tutoring, or extracurricular activities. Generally, expenses related to higher education are not included in child support payments and are instead negotiated separately.

Childcare

Although money to cover daycare costs may be ordered outside a “normal” child support order, the money received through a child support agreement may be used to pay for babysitters or nannies for the child.

Work with a Kane County Child Support Lawyer

If you are in a position where you cannot afford to make your child support payments or you need to receive more money from your former partner, consider filing a motion to modify your child support order with the court. To learn more about this process, speak with one of the experienced Kane County family lawyers at the Goostree Law Group. Our team is equipped to answer your questions and represent your interests to help you reach a child support agreement that works for you. Contact our firm to set up our initial legal consultation today.

Source:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=075000050K505