As the non-custodial parent, do you feel that...?

Question

the custodial parent should account on what the child support is spent?

I often hear "She's going to spend the money on herself, not the child" or that the parent who recieves child support should had proof on what the money was spent (receipts,etc).

as a non-custodial parent, do you think all parents who receive child support should do this?

(I am a custodial parent, I SHOULD be receiving child support but my ex-husband feels that I "Don't deserve it" because I manage to pay for everything myself, thus no need for him to provide for his child (yes, he is a moron)).

Answer 1

Do we have the same ex-husband?  Mine says the same thing and is a moron as well!

No.  The courts awarded custody for a reason.  The custodial parent has the right to make decisions without having to answer to the non-custodial parent for any or all of the decisions made.

And, as that the courts are leaning more towards fathers' rights these days, to get custody as a female, the male has got to be quite an immature, irresponsible person.  Nobody needs to answer to the likes of them.

Answer 2

No I don't agree with that. Its not up to him. Take him to court.

Answer 3

My soon to be husband was the non-custodial parent before we allowed the new husband to adopt. The mother always told us that she need something else for the kids(we pay 530 a month for 2 kids), I know that is not a lot but we always wondered where that money was going just so we would know.

We have proof that we sent the money, why can't they provided proof on what it goes to.

Answer 4

It's none of his business.  My daughter's father was lax in his support checks.  So, I was supporting her on my income. When the checks came in (usually in bulk) I sometimes had to take a little for rent etc....  However, she is very well cared for - goes to private school & summer camp and has been to Disney 3 times already with a 4th trip scheduled.  And his family has no qualms as she is clearly a well taken-care of child who's happy and obviously loved.  Your ex is a controlling idiot.

Answer 5

The logistics of such an idea would be near impossible.  It would require itemizing receipts if multiple items, some for the child and some not, were purchased at the same time.  Clear guidelines as to what qualifies as a child related expense would have to be defined by the legal system.  Does a portion of the power bill or house payment count?  Does commonly used soap or shampoo count?  Really, it would be a difficult thing to do.

As a custodial parent I do believe that it is important for my ex to know that child support money is not being squandered.  Most of the money he pays in child support is placed into 529 college savings for the kids.  I do offer him quarterly statements so he can see that the money has been invested directly for them.  He's fully aware as to what the other expenses are relative to the kids such as clothing, school fees, etc.  Sometimes a little effort can go a long way toward making a non-custodial parent see that their contribution is not being squandered.  Accounting for every penny would be near impossible.

Answer 6

Child support is to take care of the child. Alot of the non-custodial parents refuse to pay it because exactly that, they think you spend it on yourself. And ALOT of the custodial parents do spend it on themselves. I'm not saying spoil the child. But if your getting stuff, then get the child something too.  

Answer 7

Most child support payers [mostly men] don't understand that child support isn't just for food and clothing.  It's extracurricular expenses, doctor bills, dentist bills, sports equipment, housing, utilities, daycare, school tuition...  They don't open their minds to the total amount of money that goes into actually raising a child.  They also don't realize that by actually keeping receipts for all the expenses a child costs, would actually work against them, simply for the reason that the cost of raising a child far exceeds the amount of the actual child support.