Can Parents Spend Child Support on Themselves?

 Posted on November 25, 2024 in Child Support

In many families, one parent focuses more on a livelihood and the other takes on more of the child-raising responsibilities. Neither would be able to do this without the other. A parent cannot be dedicated to career development without having someone else to handle their child’s physical and logistical needs. On the other hand, being a stay-at-home parent is often not reasonable unless someone else is handling the family’s finances.

Child support payments are there to ensure that parents can continue living similarly to the way they did during the marriage even after a divorce. A parent who spends more time at work can keep doing so, generally if the other parent has more visitation and therefore handles more of the child-raising responsibilities. That parent can continue as a stay-at-home parent if the other parent continues working and earning a living that can cover child-related costs.

While this arrangement works for many divorced parents, there is sometimes a concern about where the money in the child support payment is being spent. If a parent regularly sends payments to the other parent but the child constantly seems to be in need of things, it might mean that the parent is not using the payments for their intended purposes. If you are worried about this, speak with an experienced Frisco, TX child support lawyer to understand your options.

What Can I Do if My Ex Is Misusing Child Support Funds?

Child support payments can be used by the parent who receives them at his or her complete discretion, as long as they serve the child’s best interest. Whether the money is spent on something that exclusively benefits the child, such as clothing or school books, or something that benefits the parents too, such as rent, all that matters is that the child’s interests are served.

If you think that is not happening and your child’s needs are not being provided for, there are several steps you can take, including:

• Speak with your ex. Share your concerns to see whether this is a simple misunderstanding or something more serious.

• Review the child support agreement or court order that lists the specific terms of your child support arrangement, including what the money is supposed to be used for.

• Keep records of payments that you have made.

• Gather evidence that supports your suspicions, for example, bank statements with questionable expenses.

• Contact a lawyer. If all else fails, an experienced attorney can help you get to the bottom of the matter through the legal system.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Collin County, TX Child Support Lawyer

If you are worried that the child support payments you make are being used improperly, a qualified Frisco, TX family law attorney can help. At The Law Office of Linda Risinger we are passionate about helping children and families move past painful chapters and reach resolutions. Call us at 972-294-6533 to schedule a free consultation.