What Does Child Support Cover?

Child Support is meant to cover a broad range of expenses. The basic needs of a child are covered by child support, things like food, clothing, and shelter. But what else can/does child support cover and how should it be negotiated?

Child Support Isn’t for Everything

Child support is not for everything, but it is for more than just basic needs, depending on your state. Child support also is intended to assist with covering medical care, educational expenses (supplies, extracurricular activities), childcare, transportation, entertainment, activities, and even college expenses in some states. While many of these items are left to the discretion of the parents, like what entertainment entails, many are non-negotiable. 

How is child support calculated?

The main factors that a court considers when determining child support payments are the number of children, tax deductions available to each parent, how much each parent earns or can earn, and how much time each parent has primary responsibility for the child(ren).

How to establish a child support agreement?

Parents can make their own agreement pertaining to child support and submit it to the court for review and approval. If you have agreed in writing to help pay for certain costs, including college funding, that agreement is enforceable by the court. Make sure you have the guidance of an experienced divorce attorney when drafting any type of written agreement.