At its core, child support is a legally mandated payment made by one parent to the other to assist in covering the costs associated with raising a child. However, separated parents often disagree about how child support payments should be spent. If you are paying child support, you may disagree with how your child’s other parent spends the money. A common question our Texas child support attorneys receive is, “What does child support cover in Texas?” Below, we discuss what child support can be used for in Texas.
What Expenses Does Texas Child Support Cover?
The Texas Family Code does not specify how the parent receiving child support should spend it. The understanding is that child support helps to cover the costs of raising a child and should be used to provide a child with minimum basic needs. Minimum basic needs generally include the following types of expenses:
- Food
- Clothing
- Shelter
- Education
However, the parent receiving child support has discretion about how to use child support payments. There is no system or requirement to monitor or track how a parent spends child support funds. Unless there is evidence that the child’s basic needs are not being met or of an apparent misappropriation of funds, courts generally will not intervene.
A few things child support payments are commonly used for include, but are not limited to:
1. Basic Needs: Food, Clothing, and Shelter
| Basic Needs | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Food | Essential for sustenance and health. | Groceries, dining out, specialized dietary needs or preferences. |
| Clothing | Necessary apparel for daily life and special occasions. | Everyday wear, school clothing, seasonal clothing, shoes, winter coats, sports gear, prom attire. |
| Housing Costs | Indirect expenses necessary for stable living conditions. | Rent or mortgage, utility bills, home maintenance, property taxes, home furnishings suitable for the child. |
| Shared Benefits | Funds can benefit other household members, not just the child. | Paying electric bills for lighting and heat, which also benefits other family members. |
2. Education
No matter where a child goes to school, education-related expenses always exist. Examples of standard school expenses include but are not limited to:
- School supplies
- School bus transportation
- Lunch
- Uniforms
- Tutoring
- School pictures
Beyond regular school hours, your child may participate in school clubs, sports, or even academic competitions. These extracurricular activities can include participation fees, equipment, or travel expenses.
Additionally, if both parents agree or it is determined to be in the child’s best interest, child support might be used to cover tuition for private school or special education.
3. Childcare
Child support can also be used to offset necessary childcare expenses. Parents can use it for costs associated with daycare, before and after school care, babysitters, and nannies.
4. Transportation and Travel
Transportation and travel covered by child support can encompass a wide range of expenses. For example, a parent can use child support payments to help pay for vehicle maintenance, gas, and auto insurance. They can also use it to cover the costs of public transportation.
Additionally, child support can help cover the expenses associated with more extensive travel arrangements. For example, suppose the parents live in different cities or states. In that case, child support can help cover the expenses associated with the child’s visitation travel, including plane tickets or other long-distance travel fares.
5. Extracurricular Activities
Participating in extracurricular activities is important for a child’s development. They provide opportunities for making friends, learning new skills, and personal growth. Child support can help pay for extracurricular activities like sports, arts, music, and other activities. Some costs to consider are fees for participating, lessons, equipment, uniforms, and travel expenses.
6. Entertainment
In Texas, parents can use child support for activities that help their child have fun. Recreational expenses may include experiences like movies, amusement parks, summer camps, and other outings that contribute to a child’s enjoyment and development. A parent may also put funds toward a child’s hobbies or interests.
What Does Child Support Not Cover in Texas?
Purpose of Child Support in Texas:
- Addresses a wide range of costs associated with raising a child.
- Covers basic living expenses and recreational activities.
- Does not cover all costs; medical and dental support are separate obligations.
Medical and Dental Support:
- One parent, often the one paying child support, is usually required to provide health and dental insurance for the child.
- This obligation is in addition to standard child support payments.
- Determining who pays for medical and dental support can vary based on multiple factors.
- An order or agreement should address out-of-pocket medical or dental expenses, such as:
- Deductibles
- Co-pays
- Treatments not covered by insurance
Proper Use of Child Support:
Gambling
Funds should be used for the child’s best interest.
Misuse of funds includes using child support for:
Drugs
Alcohol
Schedule a Consultation With Warren & Migliaccio Today
At Warren & Migliaccio, we help Texas families with all types of family law matters, including divorce, child support and custody. Do you have questions about Texas child support? Do you need help regarding a child support matter? If so, do not hesitate to contact our law firm.
During a consultation, we are happy to answer your legal questions and help you understand your rights and obligations under Texas law. We can also help you understand your potential legal options based on your unique situation and needs. Contact us today by filling out our online contact form, and we will be in touch with you soon to schedule a consultation.
