Child Support: What Expenses Does it Cover? What is Not Covered?
Child support is a payment from the higher income parent to the lower income parent that is intended to pay for basic living necessities of the child. Those necessities include items such as a roof over the child’s heads, electricity, water, food, and other essentials. It is a general-purpose reimbursement to cover the cost of life when a household has kids. Health insurance is factored in to child support as are the costs of child-care, however, child care can be addressed outside the context of child support. Here are a few examples of expenses child support covers:
Basic living expenses such as food, housing, and utilities
Regular healthcare and medical expenses like prescription medication or regular doctor visits
Childcare expenses
Educational expenses like school fees and textbooks
Transportation expenses such as gas and car maintenance
Personal care expenses such as hygiene products and haircuts
Sports and other extracurricular activities
Clothing and basic personal items
Technology such as a computer or tablet in the context of educational purposes
Other reasonable expenses that are considered necessary for the child’s well-being, such as tutoring or therapy.
Things that child support does not cover include:
Clothing and personal items beyond basic necessities
Cell phone and internet bills
Car payments and car insurance
Extracurricular activities beyond basic ones
College tuition and expenses
Entertainment expenses like movie tickets, vacations, etc.
Gifts for the child’s birthday or holidays
Pet expenses
Furniture and home decor
Legal fees related to custody disputes or other legal issues not related to child support.
As a parent, ensuring that your children receive adequate financial support is essential for their well-being, however, navigating the complexities of child support laws in Florida can be overwhelming and confusing. Call the Law Office of David Scott for a free consultation.