Legal Question in Family Law in Florida
proper use of child support funds in florida
What is considered proper use of child support funds by the custodial parent?? Does paying bills, lights, water etc, count as abuse of monies? If ex wants me to purchase something specific with the money and I don't am I in the wrong? He wants me to buy her new glasses but she's only had the current ones for just over a year, the optometrist said the prescription is good for up to five years but he doesn't like the way they look, (they are just a hair too small, but cause her no pain and still work)--should I have to replace them? He constantly calls to dictate to me what should be done with the CS check, and discusses it with our 13 year old. Our daughter is in no way, shape or form neglected, she lives in a secure, clean enviroment, wears nice clothes, eats well and has everything she needs and plenty she doesn't. I could understand if any of that were in question him asking about the money, but none of that is an issue and he knows it. So he demands new glasses or better sneakers or save the money for college or whatever else pops into his head. it's only 350 a month, it's obviously helpful, but at this point I would pay him that much to leave me alone.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: proper use of child support funds in florida
Child support is supposed to be used to support the child. Other than opening a special bank account just for the child support money (there is absolutely no requirement that you do so), there's no real way to separate the CS money from your earnings at your job. It's all one big pot, and you, as the primary residential parent, have the responsibility of making sure little Susie is cared for.
It appears that you are upholding your responsibilities. It also appears that while the child's glasses are adequate, the frames may need to be replaced. It's a choice - you can pay he $$ to have the glasses replaced (because the frames are too small and because your daughter wants them replaced, not because your ex is pressuring you to do so) or, he can pay for new frames. Nothing precludes him from doing so (though his fashion sense is probably non-existent, so you may want to bite the bullet so daughter's glasses don't look like, well, like Dad picked them out).
Re: proper use of child support funds in florida
The glasses are a judgement call on your part. As for his behavior, I would tell him that if he doesn't stop putting the child between the two of you and involving her in the parents' financial matters you might have to petition for modification of the custody agreement (to reduce or eliminate visitation). He should not put the child in the middle or concern her with any of this. Finally, as long as she is taken care of, there is no need to count and allocate every dollar to particular things. Child support is (for the most part) based on the parents' income not the child's needs.
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