The Financial Responsibility of Custodial Parents

Child support is paid by the noncustodial parent, however, misuse of child support has led some state courts to revise statutes to account for the financial responsibility of the custodial parent as well.

  1. Custodial Parent

    • The custodial parent has physical custody of the child. A custodial parent is responsible for the child on a daily basis, including housing, food, school expenses, extracurricular activities, transportation and medical care. Custodial parents have authority over all aspects of raising the child.

    Financial Responsibility

    • Child support is paid by the noncustodial parent to aid the custodial parent in the care of the child. Most state's family courts account for the income of both parents when determining the amount of child support the noncustodial parent will pay.

      A custodial parent has the responsibility to make sure the child is cared for regardless of the amount of the child support payments. The custodial parent, does not, however, have to prove how they are financially caring for the child, except in states that allow accounting.

    Custodial Parent Accounting

    • The custodial parent has the authority to choose how child support money is spent. After several Supreme Court cases, there are only a few states which allow a noncustodial parent to ask for an accounting of how the money is spent. The consensus of the remaining states is that accounting for how child support money is spent interferes with the custodial parent's decision making. Similarly, custodial parents would also need meticulous record keeping abilities, and this causes an undue burden on the custodial parent.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Housing Assistance Programs for Single Mothers
      If you are a single mother, it is often challenging to find safe and affordable housing for your family. There are national and state housing assistance programs that can help. Learn about these programs and explore your options. Sub
    • The Effect of Child Support on Public Assistance
      After parents separate, its not uncommon for their levels of income to change. This is especially true if one parent was financially dependent on the other. If youre in a position where you need public assistance after your divorce your child supp
    • How to Talk to Your Ex-Wife as a Divorced Dad
      As a divorced dad, youre probably frustrated with the challenges youre facing--being a father to your kids while adjusting to being divorced. Talking to your ex-wife is probably the hardest challenge of all. Here are tips to help you communicate bett