When a court orders a parent to pay child support, it’s important to recognize what the payments cover. Child support is designed to help ensure normal expenses are covered for the child. Here are some of the things that child support payments cover, and if there’s ever a need to modify the child support order.
Basic Expenses
Child support should cover the child’s basic needs. This should include the following:
- Food
- Clothing
- Shelter
- Transportation
- Education
- Medical
For instance, the amount the custodial parent receives should be used to cover these expenses on a monthly basis depending on the child’s needs. It can be difficult to determine if the custodial parent is using the funds for something else, but if a child appears neglected, you may want to consider speaking with a lawyer about what your options are and how to move forward.
Specific Expenses
Other expenses can include specific seasonal clothing, supplies for school, equipment for sports, and other one-off expenses. While child support payments do not need to be kept separate from other household expenses, it’s important to ensure that the support is going to ensure the child’s best interests are the top priority.
Signs of Neglect
Pay close attention to your child whenever he or she comes to you for their visits or during your parental time. If it appears your child is being neglected at home, it could be a sign that your child support payments are not being used in a way that they should.
At Reagan, Melton & Delaney, L.L.P., we go above and beyond to help our clients when they need it most. If you need to adjust a child support order because you feel your ex-spouse is not using your payments correctly, you should recognize your rights. Our Sarpy County child support attorneys can help you through the process and advise you how to proceed with difficult family law matters.
Call us today at (402) 226-1899 to discuss your options with our team.
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