Where Did All the Money Go? Understanding Child Support Payments

Child support is a payment made by one parent to the other parent for the financial support of their children. Child support aims to ensure that both parents contribute to their children’s well-being, regardless of where they reside.

However, many parents who pay child support often wonder where their money goes.

In this blog post, we will explore the legalities of child support payments and how a Kernersville child support lawyer can help ensure your payments are used appropriately.

The Legalities of Child Support Payments 

Ron Payne, CEO and managing partner of Apple Payne Law in Kernersville, explains that once a court order for child support has been issued, the paying parent is obligated to pay the amount on time every month.

However, the parent paying child support does not have the right to dictate how the receiving parent spends the money. It is up to the receiving parent to use the child support payments for the children’s needs, such as food, clothing, and shelter.

Payment Methods

Ron Payne advises parents not to pay with cash, as there is no paper trail to prove that the payment was made. Instead, it is recommended to use checks or other forms of electronic payment that can be tracked and recorded. This can be crucial in case of any disputes that arise between the parents.

Exceptions to the Rule

There are some exceptions to the rule that the parent paying child support cannot dictate how the receiving parent spends the money. For instance, if the receiving parent is responsible for paying for daycare or health insurance, the paying parent has the right to request copies of the insurance card or receipts from daycare.

If the receiving parent is not fulfilling their financial obligations towards the children, the paying parent may have legal rights to reimbursement.

Legal Help for Child Support Matters

If you are experiencing a child support situation where the other parent is not fulfilling their financial obligations, it is recommended to seek legal help.

A Kernersville family lawyer at Apple Payne Law offers family law consultations in-office, via Zoom, or by phone to help families navigate life’s important decisions. We can help you navigate the legal complexities of child support and resolve any issues that may arise.

Contact us today!