I am a divorced (7 years) father of three children, ages 15m, 13m, 9f. I am remarried now for almost 5 years. Children's mother has been remarried for 5 years. Our 15 year old is about to get his provisional drivers license at the end of December. He'll need a car to take himself to school and help taxi the other kids to/from school and sports. I pay monthly Child Support. His mother and stepfather now want to buy a car for him. She wants to "work something out" with the cost of the car, insurance and maintenance. What do most people do in this situation with regards to the finances of a vehicle for a teenager?
2006-11-06 06:07:51 · 7 answers · asked by sargeslope 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Marriage & Divorce
Just to add some details. This kid definitely deserves it. He's a Sophomore and carries a 3.6 GPA, plays on the Junior Varsity football team in Fall and Golf Team in Spring. He's a very responsible teen, holding a summer job at an insurance company and works odd jobs for elderly neighbors and his grandfather on the weekends. It's not a matter of deserving. The question is really about the financing. If his mom wants to purchase the car, hold the title and ownership, then what do most people do in that situation? Seems to me that one side would benefit from ownership while the other simply writes a check. And if there is an agreement, do people modify the Child Support calculation/paperwork?
2006-11-06 06:56:22 · update #1
Go with your heart. Don't think about your ex. Think about your kid. Does he deserve it? If so, help out as much as you can. Thats what I would do.
As for insurance and maintenance though, make you son cover it. Builds character and teaches responsiblity.
2006-11-06 06:11:34 · answer #1 · answered by www.treasuretrooper.com/186861 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you approve of him getting a car, then help pay for the cost. Remember, this is about your son not your ex. My personal opinion is that he should pay for his own insurance and maintenance upto half his paycheck. (meaning that he should save half his paycheck to pay those expenses) If he does not have a job, he does not need a car. I might make an exception for the first few months if he is looking for a job.
2006-11-06 06:22:53 · answer #2 · answered by Gypsy Girl 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you really want a new driver that's a teen driving your other kids to school when they all can ride the bus?
There needs to be a licensed driver with him (responsible adult - good driving record) while he's driving a car.... no solo driving until he's been at it awhile and is showing good judgement/responsibility as a driver.
Too many young drivers causing wrecks due to lack of supervision - and below adequate driving skills.
2006-11-06 06:23:14 · answer #3 · answered by jaimestar64cross 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, when i was 16 i went through the same thing with my parents....they actually split the cost of everything right in half, until i got a job, then they each paid half of my car payment, and i paid for my insurance, gas, and upkeep. Hope this helps!
2006-11-06 06:12:13 · answer #4 · answered by Stephanie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with www.treas... Completely, help with the car, if the kid deserves it. But tell him to get a job to manintain insurance, oil changes, etc. He can get a work permit at 15.
2006-11-06 06:19:09 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
this should be halfed. you want you kid to have a good car. and i don't care what people say child support is never enough to pay a drop in the bucket to want kids want and need.
2006-11-06 06:45:48 · answer #6 · answered by drewc_boo 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they want to buy a car for him, then I say let them.
2006-11-06 06:17:32 · answer #7 · answered by Suthern R 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋