Rights of a Custodial Parent Paying Child Support

In general, custodial parents have the right to receive child support. However, sometimes a court grants joint custody to the parents. In a joint custody arrangement, a court may order both parents to pay each other child support, based on the amount of time spent with the child. Along with paying child support while caring for a child, a custodial parent will share rights and responsibilities with another parent.

  1. Custodial Rights

    • A court will award a parent joint custody or sole custody of a child. If a parent is paying child support, a court has probably awarded joint custody or sole custody to another person. A custodial parent paying child support has the right to make day-to-day decisions for a child, including educational and medical decisions.

    Taxes

    • A custodial parent paying child support has the right to claim a child on her tax returns. A non-custodial parent can only claim a child for tax purposes if a custodial parent agrees and signs a declaration form.

    Relocation Rights

    • A custodial parent paying child support has the right to relocate with the child, but should give the non-custodial parent notice of the move. A parent awarded joint custody may contest a relocation.

    Right to Make Legal Decisions

    • A custodial parent paying child support has the right to make legal decisions for her child. Legal decisions include deciding medical procedures and choosing after school activities.

    Modification Rights

    • A custodial parent paying child support may request a modification of child support if he is unable to continue to pay. A modification of child support may reduce the amount of child support owed on a monthly basis.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • 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
    • Government Help for Single Mothers in Georgia
      Single mothers in Georgia are fortunate to have a state government that shows concern for their situation. The Legislature and the Department of Human Resources have crafted various programs to help alleviate the difficulties faced by single mothers.
    • Discipline Mistakes Divorced Parents Often Make
      In a perfect world, divorced parents would be able to co-parent seamlessly. Rules would remain consistent. Consequences would carry over from one home to the next. And both parents would work together to prevent behavior problems before they