Typically, when a couple who has children gets divorced, the noncustodial parent is tasked with providing some measure of financial support to the custodial parent. Child support can be extremely important in helping pay for the costs inherent in raising a child.
Most parents who pay child support understand how much their payments contribute to their children?s well-being. However, there may be some question regarding what expenses child support is intended to cover. The following are some of the more significant items the money could go toward paying for:
- Educational costs for tuition, textbooks, lunch money and other school-related items.
- Medical care, typically in the form of health insurance.
- Medical expenses not covered by insurance. This may include such things as deductibles and co-pays. It could also include special costs for dental braces, eyeglasses and other items.
- Basic necessities pertaining to clothing, food and shelter.
- Expenses associated with non-school-related activities such as athletics, summer camp and clubs.
These are just some of the expenses that child support can be used to help pay for. This article contains more information on the subject.
In determining the amount a non-custodial parent must pay in child support, a court may take a variety of factors into account. These factors can include the parent?s income as well as his or her ability to make payments.
It is important to keep in mind that a child?s needs may change through time. A parent could also experience circumstances that affect his or her financial status. Either case could call for a modification of the support agreement.
If you are a parent who is having issues either paying or receiving child support, a Texas family law attorney may be able to provide you with assistance and guidance.