Your Child and Child Support

Although the phrase “child support” has the word “child” in it, for the most part, your child should not be involved in, nor should you discuss the details of child support in your case with the child.  Unfortunately, child support is one of the hottest points of contention between divorced or separated parents and often continues to be an issue even in the years after the change in the family.  Child support is about money, and for the most part, children should not be involved in the financial negotiations and challenges that child support creates. The older your child gets, the more aware he or she will be that child support exists and is paid in your family, but it is important to keep your child out of the conflict that may arise around it.

–   Try not to let your child overhear you complaining about child support, lack of payment, or its amount. You have your own issues with the other parent, but your child deserves to have as uncomplicated a relationship as possible with the other parent.

– Don’t involve your child in support payments, delays, or requests. This means it’s not a good idea to ask your child to carry the child support check into the other parent, ask the other parent where the payment is, or become involved in the process in any way.

– Avoid using child support as a scapegoat. “I’d love to buy you those new sneakers but your dad hasn’t paid child support so we can’t afford it” or “I wish we could take a vacation, but the child support I pay is so high I can’t afford it” are examples of how your financial reality can become too open for your child.

– Most importantly, do not refuse to allow the other parent to see the child because that parent is not paying the court ordered child support. If you do so you may be held in contempt, in some cases jailed, for violating the court-ordered Parenting Plan.

The Sampair Group represents men and women in child support cases, modifications, and enforcements. We are located in Maricopa County, Arizona and are ready to work with you. Make an appointment today.