What Expenses Does Child Support Cover In Florida?

When parents go their separate ways, their responsibility towards their offspring doesn’t terminate. In Florida, parents must financially support their children until the age of emancipation. That said, the court will likely order the non-custodial parent to pay child support to help cover the expenses associated with raising a child. When child support is ordered, many parents wonder what expenses child support payments can be used to cover. To ensure your child gets the financial support they deserve, please don’t hesitate to contact a dedicated Pensacola Child Support Lawyer, who can help safeguard your child’s best interests. Keep reading to learn what Florida child support covers.

What Does Florida Child Support Cover?

Whether you are the parent entitled to receive or obligated to pay child support, it’s essential to understand what the payments are intended to cover. In Florida, basic child support payments cover more than you may expect, as the guidelines were developed to provide children with the same amount of financial support they would receive if both parents were still living together. Essentially, the court tries to account for all expenses needed to raise a child.

• Basic necessities. Child support is intended to cover basic living expenses such as food, clothing, and shelter, which are necessary for a child’s well-being. Children must have access to a stable living environment, proper clothing, and nutritious meals.
• Medical expenses. Child support typically covers any required medical expenses to ensure children’s health. This includes health insurance premiums, doctor’s visits, dental work, vision care, medications, therapy, and out-of-pocket uninsured medical costs. It’s important to note that parents with better employer-based health insurance will provide coverage for their children, and the court will consider this when determining the amount of child support that should be paid.
• Education. Support payments often contribute to educational expenses to ensure the child receives quality education. This includes tuition, uniforms, textbooks, school supplies, lunch money, extracurricular activities, and tutoring costs.
• Childcare. If the custodial parent requires childcare assistance to work or attend school, support payments can cover a portion of these expenses. This includes services like daycare, after-school programs, and babysitters. This ensures the children receive proper care and supervision.
• Transportation. Child support can include provisions to cover travel costs. Transporting children to places like schools, between parents’ residences, and medical appointments is necessary. Therefore, support payments can cover gas fees, public transportation fares, and vehicle maintenance.
• Entertainment and recreational activities. The court recognizes that certain activities are essential for a child’s growth and development. As such, support payments can contribute to sports, hobbies, or other extracurricular pursuits that benefit the child.

If you are facing issues with child support, please don’t hesitate to contact The Law Offices of James M. Burns to learn how our legal team can assist you. Our Pensacola child support lawyers are prepared to help you fight for the financial security you need.