David Scott P.A. Blog

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.

Examples of what is covered

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.

Examples of what is not covered

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.

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Child Support: What Expenses Does it Cover? What is Not Covered?