As the parent with primary custody, you should receive court-ordered child support from the non-custodial parent. You and other Texas residents who get child support may also get unsolicited advice and information from well-meaning family and friends – some of it incorrect. Understandably, this may leave you feeling confused and worried as to how you can spend child support and whether your spending will be monitored or controlled.
First off, it may give you some peace of mind to learn that your ex-spouse may not dictate how you spend child support or demand receipts. The family law court will also not tell you how to spend the money or ask for proof of your spending habits. What can you spend your child support money on, you may wonder? As you know, this money is meant for the benefit of your children, but you have a great deal of freedom as to the expenses you deem necessary for their physical and emotional well-being. For example, as FindLaw explains, you may spend child support on necessities, such as rent, clothing, food and utilities. You may also find it helpful for medication, doctor appointment co-pays, school supplies and emergencies.
You can also choose to spend child support on things that create happy family memories, such as birthday presents, a meal out with your children and a weekend getaway. The family law court is only concerned that your children’s needs are being met. Your child support spending should not be monitored when you are keeping your children safe, secure and happy. The information in this blog is not meant to replace the advice of a lawyer.