What Does Child Support Cover?

If you have ever “gone without” so you could pay child support and found that your ex-spouse purchased a new vehicle, you may be wondering if they used child support money for the transaction—especially when the ex’s financial affidavit indicated that they, like you, were barely making it. Making things worse, they tell you that, according to their lawyer, the new car benefits the children. But you know, for a fact, there was nothing wrong with their old car—which was just a few years old. 

Child support is supposed to provide the basic necessities for the children. If you believe that your ex-spouse is spending child support on items other than the basics, you should contact an experienced family law attorney regarding a potentially significant change in circumstances. 

Child Support is for Basic Necessities 

What is child support intended to cover? It is to provide your child with the basic necessities, including food, clothing, and housing. Most courts consider the following as basic needs: 

• Food 

• Shelter 

• Clothing 

• Healthcare 

• Additional necessary expenses 

Food 

No child should ever be allowed to go hungry. Both parents are required to contribute to the financial and nutritional well-being of their children. A child support order provides the mandatory amount necessary to feed your children three meals per day plus snacks. 

Shelter 

Because child support covers the basic needs of the minor children, including shelter, the custodial parent must pay rent or a mortgage. A portion of the amount of child support you pay or receive every month can go toward paying for the children’s housing. 

Clothing 

When the court orders child support, it assumes that keeping your child properly clothed is another basic need. Child support should be used by parents to purchase clothing for their children – within reason. If you are receiving $400 monthly for child support, that does not mean you should purchase a new $400 outfit each month. Clothing is just a small portion of what child support provides for the child. 

Healthcare 

Regardless of which parent has child custody, both parents are expected to contribute to the child’s medical well-being. Depending on your state’s child support guidelines, healthcare may be included in the base amount agreed upon. Many states include healthcare, that includes insurance premiums and uncovered expenses, in addition to basic child support. 

For example, Florida figures basic child support calculations and then adds health insurance premiums, expected uninsured medical expenses, and childcare together. It then multiplies the total by the percentage each parent pays, adding it to the basic child support. 

Additional Expenses from the Parenting Plan 

While each state has its own way of calculating child support, it always covers the child’s basic needs. Some states also include extra items such as: 

• Extracurricular activities 

• Camps 

• Entertainment 

• Vacations 

• School supplies, if they are extraordinary 

• Private school tuition 

• Travel time for picking up and dropping off the children 

• Airfare for a non-custodial parent who lives out-of-state 

How Should Childcare Costs Be Split Up? 

Each state handles childcare costs in its specific way. Some states may include a percentage of childcare costs in the child support guidelines, while others include the entire amount and a few keep it separate from the guidelines, altogether. 

Childcare costs may include: 

• Daycare 

• Before-school and after-school care 

• Childcare for days when school is not in session and the parents are both working 

If any costs are not included in the child support guidelines, the parenting plan should include: 

• The total costs of childcare from all sources 

• The amount of the total each parent pays 

• Whether a parent has first right of refusal prior to sending the child to daycare, before-school care, or after-school care 

• The days and times when the custodial parent requires childcare services 

• When each parent pays his or her portion of the childcare 

• Whether one parent pays the full amount and is reimbursed by the other parent or whether both parents pay their share directly to the childcare provider 

Communication is Essential 

Communication between parents is essential to successful co-parenting, including the use of child support funds. It helps ensure honesty on both sides and avoids any disputes in the future. 

What to Do if You Suspect Your Child Support Money Isn’t Being Used Correctly 

While child support laws state that child support is for the basic needs of the children, you cannot force your ex-spouse to provide a list of child support expenditures. However, if your child’s needs are not being met or you discover evidence of your ex-spouse using child support for herself, you must take the matter to court. 

Because it is hard to prove, you will have to gather all the evidence that demonstrates your ex-spouse is using child support funds illegally. You can start by having a conversation with your ex-spouse and expressing your concern. Do not become accusatory when you express your concern. There is the possibility that you might have misunderstood the facts, which could lead to your assumptions. If that is the case, then your ex-spouse should be able to give you clarification on the matter. 

In the event that you do need to get the courts involved, always keep detailed records of support payments, receipts for items purchased for your children and other proof of payment for your children’s needs. 

Why Work with Cordell & Cordell 

Contact an experienced child support lawyer prior to filing a claim with the court, as the attorney can guide you through the process, including obtaining witness testimony and helping you gather documentation of your ex-spouse’s indiscretion–if any. 

Client Experience 

“She does a great job of analyzing your situation. Communication was good throughout the process.” — Ronnie C. 

Let Us Help You with Your Child Support Needs 

Cordell & Cordell is a family law firm that guides individuals through a range of family law issues, including divorce, child support, child custody issues, division of marital assets, and paying child support after a minor child enters college. Contact our team today at 866-323-7529 or fill out our online contact form to schedule an initial consultation. 

Disclaimer: This page serves as a resource and is not to be taken as legal advice.