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Child support is ordered as a set amount, but most orders also include language about sharing children’s expenses, such as medical co-pays, school supplies, clothing, extra-curricular costs and equipment, music lessons, and more.
It can be difficult to keep track of these additional expenses if you are the parent seeking to be reimbursed. Follow these suggestions for staying organized.
- Have bills sent directly to your ex. This is easiest to do with medical bills. This avoids the repayment problem and makes your ex legally responsible to the medical provider, keeping you out of it. The only problem is if you ex doesn’t pay, the provider may refuse to treat your child until the account is current. You may also be able to do this with extra-curricular fees or sports teams costs.
- Get separate receipts. If you go to Target to buy school supplies as well as toilet paper and window cleaner, get a separate receipt for the items your ex needs to reimburse you for. It will make tracking expenses easier.
- Scan in all receipts that need to go to your ex. Keep the originals. Send the scans with a cover letter showing the detailed breakdown of the expenses and the amount due to you.
- Keep a spreadsheet of all expenses. Mark when you send them to your ex and when you are reimbursed. This will allow you to see at a glance what you have not been repaid for.
- Get estimates when possible. When large costs are looming, such as braces or the cost of a new musical instrument, get an estimate of the cost in advance and send it to your ex. This allows him or her to plan and is a very courteous way to show you want to work cooperatively.
- Consider using an app. There are now several apps specifically designed for co-parents that allows you to create entries and attach receipts. You and your ex use the app together and can track expenses this way.
Call the Sampair Group to discuss your child support case. We are located in Maricopa County, Arizona and are ready to work with you. Make an appointment today.
