So what does child support actually cover?
The reason I'm asking is, I'm a step parent. I've been a step parent for 8 years of her 11 year life. In this time I've never had any problems with the child. As civil as her bio mother and I try to be towards each other there's still some bumps in the road. But, what's really starting to get to me is, child support payments and then asking for money in between. So the child support of approx $123 a week. Then she texts and says soccer is $xxx this season so it'll be $xxx each. Or, school books cost me $xxx so ill need $xxx from you. Interschool sports and school excursions and school camps are all split 50/50. In which case the money transferred within the hour or so.
Is this normal? Is child support a grey area for what it's actually used for? I've tried googling and it says something different each time. I understand every family is different but she has a partner and children to him and is a stay at home mum. They have a nice car and nice house and they are always going away and doing things that seem to cost money. So from the outside they are confortable. (I know not to judge a book by its cover) but I'm just wondering is this normal? It's been this way of transferring money for as long as they've been separated, so it's not about to change anytime soon. But I'm just curious of other peoples arrangements.
13 Replies
Child support is supposed to cover everything. So technically you are under no obligation to contribute anything further, unless it is written into their parenting agreement that he agrees to contribute xxx for xxx.
However, realistically child support does not cover the full cost of raising a child as it doesn't allow for extracurricular activities etc. It really only covers the bare necessities. In my opinion, if the father can afford it then yes he should contribute more so that the child can participate in soccer without the mum bearing the full cost but it does seem like you guys are going above and beyond what is required. If it's causing financial stress for you guys it may be worth reevaluating but if you have a decent relationship with the ex then it may not be worth rocking the boat...
Its up to them. My ex pays whatever he can towards sports and school fees etc.
Child support is supposed to cover everything while at the person who receives child support house. So child support would include school expenses, food, clothing, sports, extra curricular etc.
There are sometimes extras like big expenses such braces, laptops etc that I would consider negotiating.
Also depends on what was agreed to when they separated. If it was agreed to before hand and dad is happy to do this then it's just part of the deal.
As a single mum (whose sons dad did a runner) legally there isn't a leg to stand on in regards to receiving any funds beyond child support payments to cover expenses.
I know other families who pay for whatever happens at there house. So if child plays soccer on Saturday and child is in dads care on Saturday then dad pays for that.
Sorry no advice but do you realise you didn't delete the first post? I'm assuming you made this one to be anonymous but other is under your name
Child support is supposed to cover most things, I would personally chip in for extra things like schooling and sports, mainly because depending how many children your partner has with her, $123 a week is nothing really. I'd think I was rich if I got that much because I am only suppose to get $7 a week and I don't even get that from him. I guess it all comes down to how much you and your partner want to contribute.
She's likely paying more then that a week to care for that child so going half on other stuff is only fare.
My ex doesn't pay a cent over the required amount (I haven't repartnered) and I've never asked for anything and he's never offered (his payments are under 100 bucks).Your partner sounds like a top guy, but if it is causing financial stress for you guys, it may get time to cut it back a little.
You're being duped. Unless the parents have this agreement then child support is supposed to cover everything. Ie school fees, uniforms, food, sports fees etc. I know some people get a private agreement put in place but I only know if one person that has this type of arrangement and it's because the mum is a greedy bitch, gets $600 a f/n for 2 kids and still expect the dad to pay more. I'm lucky to get $200 a f/n and never ask for anything more because I know he can't afford it and everything is supposed to come out of what he is paying. I take on the costs for sports and things. its no biggie to me.
Well considering if they were still together it'd cost him more than $600 a f/n to raise his kids, she isnt a "greedy bitch" I'd be more inclined to say what a great guy for making sure the kids are provided for.
Doesn't cost us $600.00 f/n for 3 kids.....so yeah she is a greedy bitch. I'm a woman and I'm over hearing woman complain about what the dad earns. At least he is working even when it's 50/50 care. There is nothing stopping her getting a career as sitting at home while kids are at school is not a job and they are sponging of all the workers working to pay their pathetic benefits.
Or maybe, instead of being duped, he's just a stand up guy who wants to give his child the best start in life by making sure he doesn't go without? Sure would be nice if there were a few more of those around.
child support goes to the cost of raising a child.. fed, watered. housed etc. basics. yes he should contribute extra to his child being able to participate in extra curricular activities. whether she can afford it herself or not, does not mean he gets to shirk is responsibilty. the child is equally both of theres.
My ex pays $350 per fortnight for 2 children this is supposed to cover the costs of raising a child, a roof over their head, food, electric, clothing, after school activities and In my case catholic schooling. This obviously doesn't come close to covering these costs. On top of this he will contribute for other items if I ask. For example my daughter needed an iPad for school. He paid half. He usually buys Their school shoes and bags.
I seen an IM commenting that a mother would be a greedy bitch for asking for more above the prescribed CS. I guess the thing is, as an equal parent I don't see any reason why a father or mother which ever the case paying the CS. If their child needs something and they can afford it, they should provide.
This idea that the parent receiving is being greedy or spending the money on her/his self is ludicrous. Kids aren't raised financially on thin air .