Child support is supposed to cover care and upkeep of the children including things like a portion of rent/mortgage, food, utilities, clothing, school supplies - but there really is no hard and fast definition. Many couples negotiate on the “extras” and have that written into the separation agreement. I would say you are paying too much and I would have an issue with paying for phones (not a necessity), school supplies and who is the life insurance for? Are you going by the state calculations or do you have your own agreement? If you go through the state w/ a support order than the amount will be automatically deducted from your pay and sent to her. If you work out an agreement on your own I would pay by check so you have an undisputable record - never by cash - and keep receipts for any extras you pay for.
Child support should generally cover all expenses related to the children, however there are usually additional provisions made for the payment of unreimbursed medical and dental expenses.
Helena M. Nevicosi
Attorney with Rosen Law Firm
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What is child support supposed to cover based on the state calculation ? At this point my ex wants the full amount per the schedule and then for me to pay for kids phones, doctors visits, school supplies and also get all my cothing for the kids and pay for the life insurance and college funds. If that is the case what am I paying for ? It seems as if I am paying for the kick in the head of not seeing my kids. Also does this payment need to be in cash or can it be via debit card to her ?