Child support and necessities

If you are divorced and have children in California, but you are not a custodial parent, the court could order you to pay child support. While this payment is typically used for items that your child specifically needs, it can pay for other things that make the life of your child a bit easier.

Clothing and necessities

Most child support checks go toward purchasing necessities. For example, your ex can use a portion of the money to buy clothing and shoes for school or for special occasions. Some of the other necessary items would include food, toiletries, trips and fun activities.

Bills

While you might not think that your contribution should cover your ex’s monthly bills, it can pay for things like rent or a mortgage payment, utilities or transportation expenses. This is because you need to pay for these items in order for your child to have a safe and secure place to live as well as a way to get back and forth to school and to appointments.

Healthcare

Sometimes, the court may order you to provide healthcare for your child. This could come from the support payments that you’re making if the custodial parent is responsible for their insurance. If you have a job, then you might be ordered to have your child listed on your plan so that they have coverage until they reach an age when they are no longer eligible.

A custodial parent often uses child support payments for the costs that are associated with daily living. These payments typically continue until the child is 18 years old unless there are modifications.