Every child is entitled to support from both parents, which is why states order non-custodial parents to pay child support to the other parent. Many people assume that these funds are only intended to pay for the most basic expenses like food or shelter, when in reality, they're meant to cover a variety of costs and guarantee a minimum quality of life.

For instance, courts will attempt to provide enough child support to pay for:

• Basic Necessities: At the bare minimum, child support payments should be enough to ensure that children are appropriately clothed and well-nourished. Parents receiving child support can use the money to purchase weather-appropriate clothing, including jackets and shoes, as well as food and school lunches. To ensure that children have a safe place to live, child support may also be applied toward the rent, mortgage, or utility expenses.
• Medical Expenses: The parent with the better health insurance plan will usually be required to maintain coverage for their child, but medical care often involves significant out-of-pocket costs. To ensure the health and well-being of children, child support should cover copays, insurance premiums, and special health care costs related to an existing medical condition.
• Educational & Child Care Expenses: Most schools involve some sort of fees, including uniforms, registration fees, and costs associated with extracurricular activities. Child support can also be used to offset the cost of child care or babysitting services for parents who work.
• Transportation: Child support payments can also be used to make auto payments, cover vehicle maintenance, or pay for gas. If the child has to travel from one parent's location to another, child support can be used to cover those expenses as well.

Child support and custody law can be complex, which is why parents throughout the Bullhead City, AZ, area turn to the Law Offices Of Paul Lenkowsky for help. Visit their website to learn more about their countless family law services, get more legal tips on Facebook, or call (928) 758-4815 to discuss your child support arrangements today.