Florida law doesn’t require parents who receive child support to spend it in any specific way, but it’s expected that any parent who received child support will provide for their child’s basic needs.
This means that custodial parents have a lot of discretion when it comes to spending child support – so much so that it can be rolled up with their household’s other income and spent on expenses related to the overall care and welfare of a child.
This can be frustrating for parents who pay child support and wish to ensure it’s used to benefit their children. Unfortunately for such individuals, however, they can neither direct how child support is spent nor request that the court get involved without a substantial reason.
The Court Usually Doesn’t Direct How Parents Spend Child Support
Because Florida law doesn’t specifically mandate how child support should be spent, the courts are also usually pretty silent on this matter. The court’s foremost concern is the child’s best interest, so as long as a child isn’t lacking in their basic needs, it probably won’t be concerned with how a parent who receives child support chooses to spend it.
That said, the court may get involved if it becomes apparent that a child’s basic needs – such as food, clothing, shelter, and medical care – aren’t being met. This can occur if a child appears malnourished, wears worn-out clothing, or suffers from an unaddressed medical condition. The parent who pays child support can petition the court to modify the support, which could trigger accounting requirements that track how the other parent spends child support.
If the receiving parent chooses to put expenses unrelated to their child’s care and welfare ahead of those that do, the court may modify child support or even custody to address this disparity.
Contact Us to Learn More About Child Support
At Beatriz Zyne, P.A., we understand that dealing with a legal situation involving child support can be difficult for both parties involved. We strive to provide knowledgeable and experienced legal assistance to our clients throughout this process.
Our attorney is experienced in child support law and can work hard to ensure that your rights are protected throughout delicate proceedings. We take the time to listen carefully to each of our clients' individual needs so that we can develop an approach tailored specifically for their case.
For more information about how we can help, contact us today and request a consultation.
