Divorced parents in Michigan like you will likely be receiving some form of child support payment. These payments are specifically meant to help you make up the difference when it comes to the lost income that your ex-spouse was bringing into the family. It is designed for use on your child. So what exactly can and can’t child support payments be used for?
HuffPost states that many extracurricular activities are not budgeted into child support payments, even if they enrich or enhance your child’s life. These little extras may seem important but are unfortunately likely going to be left up to you to handle. They can include things like:
- Photobooks or yearbooks
- Musical instruments or lessons
- All related expenses for sports
- College funds
- Private lessons
- Tutors
While these may seem integral to your child’s happiness and success, they’re unfortunately not considered enough of a staple for child support payments to be used on them. Child support payments are primarily for necessities like food, clothing, and personal hygiene products like toothpaste, deodorant, or soap.
Child support payment is also never to be used for the sole benefit of the parent. This means you can’t spend it on things strictly for yourself, as it’s intended to help your child. Misusing child support payments can be a reason for a court investigation if your spouse orders it.
Careful management of child support payments will allow you to cover several expenses, but not everything. This should be kept in mind as you draft up your support payment plans.