Can a judge require the custodial parent to show where the child support they're recieving is going??

Question

Okay, my husband has a son from a previous relationship. He just starting paying support about 2 1/2 months ago because she wouln't let him see his son. So HE went to the child support office & petitioned for visitation. She's told people that he's a deadbeat & that he hasn't tried to help her but we have proof that he has (i.e. phone records, emails). We also have proof where she's made agreements to meet so he can see his son but then no call, no show. We've only got to see him a select few times that she actually showed up & he's the sweetest, cutest little boy. But about 1 month ago, she got a new car (not brand new but newer than the one she had). As far as he knows, there was nothing wrong with the other one. She has a brand new wardrobe now too. She lives with her mom who doesn't have her pay any rent, help with bills, & her mom or brother babysits for her. So she really has no expenses other than her car. Can a judge make her show proof where the money is going??

He pays a little over 400 a month. Also we live in TN. How can we ensure that the child is really being taken care of?? And what can he do if she doesn't let him see his son after the court orders visitation??

Also, she's on WIC so they're paying for the baby's food and formula...

Also, she's on WIC so they're paying for the baby's food and formula...

She works too and has her own income so yeah, she pretty much is living the lap of luxery for someone who's getting about 1,000 dollars a month and only has expenses of about 400-500 is she's lucky...

JUSTME: No, I'm over 18 and like I said before if you actually paid attention to details, you'd notice that she'd been refusing any money from him and HE was the one who went to the child support office... You're one of those money-grubbers just like that little b*tch... I have no problem with the money going toward the child as I mentioned before in the DETAILS... actually read the question before you answer it next time...

And YES, I do have the nerve... father's have their rights too...

damn you uneducated feminists... you think the world revolves around you and every other woman as long as their selfish b*tches... sounds like you're the one who should grow up

Answer 1

A judge can, but few will!

Answer 2

A judge can order just about anything under the circumstances. It wouldn't hurt to request it, but don't be surprised if it is not granted. As far as the visitation question, if visitation is ordered by the court and she does not follow through, your husband would have to take her back to court for violation of the order. Make sure that you have set up a set schedule for visitation and not left it to "at the agreement of the parties" or some vague language. It should be something like "every other weekend beginning on Friday at 7:00 pm through Sunday at 5:00pm starting with the weekend of August 31 - Sept 2." VERY specific and specify who will pick up, where, etc. That way there can be no allegation by either party that they did not understand the terms.

Answer 3

If she is not showing up for the visitation she is in violation of the court order and he will have to petition the court again. The only time I have ever heard of a judge asking where the support money is going is when the mom/dad reports suspected child abuse. When you do get the child for visitation and he has no clothes or shoes that fit properly, he is always sick or appears under nourished,or he could say he feels the support money is only keeping his ex in liquor and drugs and he wants the money spent on the child's well-being by being the parent who takes the child clothes shopping and to the doctor. The receipts can be deducted from the support money. The abuse/neglect allegations will be investigated so make sure you can back up any claims.

Answer 4

No. A judge won't have her prove what the child support is paying for. Because the mother wouldn't let your husband see his son is no reason not to be paying child support. The boy still needs to eat get medical attention and be clothed.

He did the right thing by getting visitation thru the court. The schedule for visitation has to be very exact as to times, length, dates, who picks up/drops off, and where. Very cut and dried. Then, if the mother misses several of them, she is in contempt of court and subject to arrest. If this happens you would seek legal council to take her back to court.

Actually what she spends her money on is no concern of yours as long as the boy is being taken care of. When you do get to see him and he is clean, a good healthy weight, wearing nice clothes and shoes, then you need to believe he is being taken care of.

WIC is for low income households, and that appears to be what your child is in. WIC is a blessing for many women that have young children and are making a small salary.

From your responses to several of the answers, it appears that you lack maturity. Just remember, there are always two sides to every story.

Also, name calling is a very juvenile thing to be doing if you are speaking of a serious situation.

Answer 5

You think she is living the lap of luxury for a measily $400.00 a month? No, I do not believe a judge will make her show where any of that paltry amount you are sending is going.

You sure do have the nerve sending me a ranting email on my opinions, and yet you do not accept emails. Grow up. Under 18 did ya say? A man is supposed to support his child from conception, yours started 2 1/2 months ago? So, what does that make your guy? Sounds like you are jealous he has to pay for his child instead of the money going into your pocket. Get used to it, Hon. It will be for many, many years to come. Your ignorance has you blocked.

Answer 6

Unfortunately, no. Once she receive the money, she can do whatever she wants with it. Maybe this is the reason why we have so many teens out of hand, but we Don't want a Police state either.