Understanding Child Support: What Does It Include and What's Not

What is Child Support?

Child support is a monthly monetary payment from one parent (the non-custodial parent) to the other (the custodial parent) to help cover the basic needs of the child, including food, clothing, education, and healthcare. It is a way to ensure that the child has the necessary resources to grow up in a stable environment. In essence, child support is not intended to be used for non-essential items or gifts but rather to cover the necessities that the child requires.

What Does Child Support Cover?

Child support is meant to cover the 'necessaries' of life. These include:

Rent/Mortgage: The cost of housing for the child. Clothing: Necessary items for the child to wear, such as clothes, shoes, and other accessories. Groceries: The cost of food that the child needs. Utilities: Energy bills for the home, including gas, water, and electricity. Insurance: Health and life insurance for the child. Transportation: Costs related to the child’s transportation, including car payments if applicable and transportation costs for school or other activities. Recreation and Education: Educational expenses and leisure activities that contribute to the child's development. Health Care: Healthcare expenses, including visits to the doctor or hospital.

Parents can agree on the amount through a mutual understanding, or a court may decide on the appropriate amount based on the child's needs and the parents' financial capabilities.

Paying Child Support

The best way to pay child support is through a third party, such as the courthouse. The court can set up a direct payment system where the non-custodial parent pays the amount directly to the custodial parent. Alternatively, some courts may use a pre-established system within the court office that handles payments to ensure transparency and accountability.

When a non-custodial parent buys things for their child, these expenses are considered gifts and are separate from child support. The non-custodial parent cannot deduct these items from the child support payment, as they are unrelated to the maintenance of the child's basic needs.

Can You Buy Things for Your Child and Deduct It from Child Support?

No, if the parents have agreed to the payment of child support, the non-custodial parent cannot deduct the cost of items like clothing, shoes, or books from the child support payment. These items are considered as gifts and are not part of the legal obligation of child support. The custodial parent is still required to provide for the child's needs with the allocated money and may need to cover additional costs as needed.

However, if the parents are in an informal agreement, they may negotiate different terms that include a provision for the non-custodial parent to contribute to the purchase of certain items. This would be a personal arrangement and not a legal requirement.

Conclusion

Child support is an important legal and financial responsibility that ensures the child receives the necessary resources for their development and well-being. While it covers the basics, any additional expenses are not covered under child support. The best way to handle such situations is through open communication and mutual agreements between the parents.