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.