Do you think we should keep tabs on child support payments?

Question

Something like saving receipts for all the purchases to make sure the money is being used to benefit the child and to prevent the mom from using that money to go shopping and buying unnecessary things for her own benefit.

Answer 1

"Do you think we should keep tabs on child support payments? Something like saving receipts for all the purchases to make sure the money is being used to benefit the child and to prevent the mom from using that money to go shopping and buying unnecessary things for her own benefit."

The quick answer to your question is "No."

As long as a custodial parent is providing for a child-- generally to the extent that child would have enjoyed had the marriage of their parents not been dissolved-- then the non-custodial parent is generally not entitled to ask for a specific accounting of exactly how child support money is spent.

Practically speaking, how can you tell? If the custodial parent nets $2000 a month and receives $600 a month in child support, and then spends $600 on a dress for herself, $900 on the rent, and the rest on food and other expenses for the family, who's to say which part of her income went to pay what expenses?

Generally, each side has the opportunity to provide evidence as to what expenses are attributable to a child and what lifestyle the child would have been able to expect had the marriage not been dissolved. The court either uses a statutory percentage guideline or takes those factors into account-- if either side wants to argue them. That's when the non-custodial parent has the opportunity to ensure support is set appropriately and commensurate with the child's needs and reasonable lifestyle expectations.

That said, if it appears that the child is not being provided for as described, then the non-custodial parent would be entitled to seek either a new child support amount or, in rare instances, ask the court to set up a trust to receive and distribute child support to pay for specific expenses.

Also, if any amount of child support is specifically earmarked to pay a specific expense-- say half a health insurance premium or half of school tuition-- then that particular expense must be paid if the non-custodial parent has paid their share.

Answer 2

Yes. I am not involved with child support in any way but I think that there needs to be a better way to make sure the kids are benefiting from it. It's shameful the way some of these parents use the money and the kids go without. I know some parents agree to things like collage, or clothing or something like that. But to just hand the money over and let them use it at will should stop!

Answer 3

How do you tell whether the money is used for valid things or not.

Let's say the mom earns 1,000 per month of her own income and you pay $500 in child support. She now has $1500 to live on per month. She pools the money together and with her bills pays $1200 out in bills (including things for the kids). Let's say she covers all expenses and now has $300 left over. How do you tell that the $300 is from your money or if that money when it came in was used to pay for groceries or rent, and then she may have used her own money for the extras.

Now, if she's doing this every time, and the kid is suffering, I think you have a valid case. But if it's a case where she only does this once in a while and your child has his/her needs taken care of, is that so wrong?.

Answer 4

I guess you could get the court to do that but remember, Mom needs stuff for herself to take care of your child. Ahe has a 24 hr. job while all you have to do is write a check. If you have a problem, talk to your atty or the friend of the court where you pay support.

Answer 5

Unfortunately, the law does not state how the child support should be used. I think that they should be used 1/2 for household expense and 1/2 for child direct and indirect expense. But how can you say where it all goes and who determines what is what?

Answer 6

if you give 25% and the mom cares for the child-how much would u have to pay someone else to do that-get a life-and think of the child-and Jesus amazing grace

then again for some moms-that dont care for their non dad around husband-maybe-pray in Jesus for help-for all

Answer 7

that would be kind of hard to do...if her rent is paid..utilities food is in the house, and the child has proper clothing...then she is doing what she should

Answer 8

yes that would be great thing for you so they can't say that you didn't spend it wisely

Answer 9

NO!