How Should Child Support Be Spent?

Arizona has child support Guidelines that were created to determine how much parents should pay in child support. Both parents’ incomes are considered, as well as the parenting schedule. The court also factors in things such as the children’s special needs and the parents’ financial situations, insurance and daycare costs.

Child support was created to ensure that children of divorced or separated parents can have a reasonable standard of living in both homes. While this is the intention of child support, there is no requirement that a parent who receives child support prove that he or she uses the money to support the child. Arizona does not require that a parent keep any kind of accounting for how the money is spent or even prove that the money was used for the child’s benefits in some way.

While child support should benefit the child, it is expected that some of the money is used for general household expenses, such as rent, food, utilities, and upkeep. It is also expected that the funds be used to help meet the child’s personal needs for clothing, school supplies, health care, toys, equipment and more. While this is the purpose child support, there is no follow up to be certain that the money is used in this way. Although a parent is not required to report how the money is used, the court would definitely be interested if the child’s own needs are neglected while the parent receiving support buys luxury items for him or herself. This could be used as an argument for a change of custody and/or child support, but careful proof would be needed that the child’s needs are neglected. If you have concerns about how your ex is using child support, discuss this with your attorney.

When you have questions about divorce or family law, turn to the Sampair Group in Glendale, Mesa, and Phoenix, Arizona.  Schedule an appointment today.