usmcfamily
Senior Member
While researching a ? I came across this and thought that perhaps it would be of interest to those posting here ...... I know there are a LOT of posts regarding some of these points:
Here are a few things to keep in mind about child support:
Child support is money that is being used for the child. The payor may not agree with how the funds are being used, but that isn't their decision to make. The use of child support funds is at the discretion of the custodial parent.
Even if the custodial parent earns more than the non custodial parent, child support payments will have to be made.
Child support often doesn't include extra curricular activities. Extra curricular activities would include such things as Little League, dance lessons, etc. If possible, both parents should contribute to these in addition to the court ordered child support. Often if there are specific, known extra expenses their payment can be allocated in the divorce agreement.
Child support is not taxable to the recipient nor is it deductible to the payor.
Always make your child support payments on time, with pride in the knowledge that you are contributing to the support of your children. There is no room in child support for bitterness or anger at your ex. This is true for the recipient as well as well as the payor.
It is common in most states, and mandatory in others to have wages garnished for child support. This is nothing to be ashamed of. It is such a common occurrence that there is no longer any stigma attached to it. Today most employers have direct deposit of payroll checks where the employee's pay can go to several accounts in the amount established by the employee. If this is available to you, you should try to make an agreement with your ex spouse to have the child support payments made through direct deposit. This will be easier and better for everyone. First the payor does not have to write a check which is always done begrudgingly when made payable to the ex-spouse even when it is for the support of the children. This will avoid that problem. As far as a record, your pay stub is your receipt. Secondly, the support money will always be paid on time and will be available for immediate use.
Do not involve your children. Your children should never know the amount of support that is to be paid. All discussions regarding support should be handled directly between the parents. Remember to keep the children "out of your battles".
If you are not receiving your child support payments try to work it out with your ex spouse. If this is not possible or is not satisfactory then it would be better to seek professional intervention such as an attorney or mediator.
Remember that you should never use your children as pawns in a child support dispute. If payments are not made or not made promptly, do not interfere with the visitation rights of your ex-spouse. Support and visitation should be kept as separate issues. While the financial support is important, it is equally important for the children to have the love and emotional support of both parents.
While child support payments are determined based upon specific guidelines, they can also be negotiated. If you and your ex-spouse can reach a fair and amicable decision on how much the child support should be than all those involved will be happier in the long run. Why put the determination of child support into the hands of a stranger (the judge) if you don't have to. CONSULT AN ATTORNEY BEFORE AGREEING TO ANY CHILD SUPPORT ARRANGEMENT
Here are a few things to keep in mind about child support:
Child support is money that is being used for the child. The payor may not agree with how the funds are being used, but that isn't their decision to make. The use of child support funds is at the discretion of the custodial parent.
Even if the custodial parent earns more than the non custodial parent, child support payments will have to be made.
Child support often doesn't include extra curricular activities. Extra curricular activities would include such things as Little League, dance lessons, etc. If possible, both parents should contribute to these in addition to the court ordered child support. Often if there are specific, known extra expenses their payment can be allocated in the divorce agreement.
Child support is not taxable to the recipient nor is it deductible to the payor.
Always make your child support payments on time, with pride in the knowledge that you are contributing to the support of your children. There is no room in child support for bitterness or anger at your ex. This is true for the recipient as well as well as the payor.
It is common in most states, and mandatory in others to have wages garnished for child support. This is nothing to be ashamed of. It is such a common occurrence that there is no longer any stigma attached to it. Today most employers have direct deposit of payroll checks where the employee's pay can go to several accounts in the amount established by the employee. If this is available to you, you should try to make an agreement with your ex spouse to have the child support payments made through direct deposit. This will be easier and better for everyone. First the payor does not have to write a check which is always done begrudgingly when made payable to the ex-spouse even when it is for the support of the children. This will avoid that problem. As far as a record, your pay stub is your receipt. Secondly, the support money will always be paid on time and will be available for immediate use.
Do not involve your children. Your children should never know the amount of support that is to be paid. All discussions regarding support should be handled directly between the parents. Remember to keep the children "out of your battles".
If you are not receiving your child support payments try to work it out with your ex spouse. If this is not possible or is not satisfactory then it would be better to seek professional intervention such as an attorney or mediator.
Remember that you should never use your children as pawns in a child support dispute. If payments are not made or not made promptly, do not interfere with the visitation rights of your ex-spouse. Support and visitation should be kept as separate issues. While the financial support is important, it is equally important for the children to have the love and emotional support of both parents.
While child support payments are determined based upon specific guidelines, they can also be negotiated. If you and your ex-spouse can reach a fair and amicable decision on how much the child support should be than all those involved will be happier in the long run. Why put the determination of child support into the hands of a stranger (the judge) if you don't have to. CONSULT AN ATTORNEY BEFORE AGREEING TO ANY CHILD SUPPORT ARRANGEMENT
(Nice to see you back on the boards spreading your knowledge! I loved the pics!)