Understanding the reasons for child support payments

A common misconception

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Many divorced parents hold the misunderstanding that child support is intended only to cover a child's bare necessities. In actuality, child support is intended to cover a broad range of expenses such as:

• school fees
• entertainment
• medical expenses
• a host of extracurricular activities

Every state has established child support guidelines, as a means to determine the amount of child support parents may be required to pay. Additionally, the courts also take into consideration, a variety of factors such as a parent's income and ability to pay, special financial needs of the child, and the amount of support needed to maintain a child's existing standard of living.

No requirement for payment reporting

• The courts do not require parents to provide any evidence that the child support payments are going toward specific activities.
• Unless extreme cases prove otherwise, the assumption is, that the parent who has physical custody is paying for the necessary expenses to raise the child.
• There is no vehicle in place to monitor the spending habits of a custodial parent. The calculation of child support is regulated by the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines established by the Conference of District Court Judges.
• The calculation of child support involves a formula which has certain variables.
• The most significant of these variables are each parent’s income, applicable daycare expenses, the cost of medical insurance, and the living arrangements of the children.
• Consult with one of Charlotte’s top family law attorneys to determine how support may be calculated in your particular case.

Charlotte’s top Family Law Attorneys

When it comes to family law, the legal process can seem intimidating and overwhelming. The outcome of your case will have a significant effect on the rest of your life. You need a lawyer who takes this seriously, and who will work diligently for favorable results. You need a Charlotte law firm that has the skills, resources, and knowledge to handle complex legal matters; ranging from criminal defense to family law. Charlotte Family Law Attorneys at Plumides, Romano, Johnson & Cacheris, PC, has a history of serving the community for more than 50 years, and has a reputation for hard work and success. They also handle personal injury and workers’ compensation cases. Call them today to speak to a lawyer that has decades of experience, and who understands how the law applies to your specific situation.