Child Support

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

4101 Lake Boone Trail, Suite 500
Raleigh, North Carolina 27607
919.787.6668 main phone
919.787.6361 main fax

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Suite 510
Charlotte, NC 28262
Main Phone: (704)307.4600
Main Fax: (704) 9343.0044

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Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 321.0780

The response posted above is based upon the limited factual information made available and is not intended as a full and complete response to the question. The only reliable manner to obtain complete and adequate legal advice is to consult with an attorney, fully explain your situation, and allow the attorney sufficient opportunity to research the applicable law and facts required to render an accurate opinion. The basic information provided above is intended as a public service only, a full discussion with an attorney should be undertaken before taking any action. The information posted on this forum is available for public viewing and is not intended to create an attorney client relationship with any individual. These answers are provided for informational purposes only, a person should consult with their own individual legal counsel before taking any action that could affect their legal rights or obligations.

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 ?