Is a Custodial Parent Entitled to Extra Money for "Extra" Expenses
My question involves child support in the State of: California
My fiancee's ex-wife is asking for additional funds on top of the $1,400 she receives monthly in child support for the two children. However, she frequently asks for additional money for extra expenses such as copays for the orthodontist, ballet lessons, etc. As far as I understand, those are the things that the child support should be paying for. My fiancee's employer covers the kids' medical insurance as well. The real annoyance is that this woman just had another kid with her boyfriend (who does not work) and we suspect that she is asking for this money to help offset her new expenses. We don't want take anything away from the kids... we just expect her to manage her own finances better. I wonder if there is any legal explanation of what child support should cover. Does the law allow her receive additional funds?
Thanks for your help.
Re: Is a Custodial Entitled to Extra Money for "Extra" Expenses
I cannot see the court's order from here. If the court order requires your husband to pay a percentage of those expenses, and I certainly expect that's the case with uninsured dental expenses, that's what he has to do. Tell him to read his order.
Re: Is a Custodial Entitled to Extra Money for "Extra" Expenses
What does the order actually say (word for word)?
"she frequently asks for additional money for extra expenses such as copays for the orthodontist, ballet lessons, etc".
Yes, depending on what the order says, it may say "50/50 for copays, 50/50 for sports/activities/lessons, 50/50 all medical/orthodontia/dental)" as well as the order stating that he pay 100% medical. It could be possible that she never asked before and now she is asking because of her change of circumstances? We don't know unless we see what the order specifically states. Some orders even say that each parent pay 50/50 for winter coats, winter boots... etc.
Re: Is a Custodial Entitled to Extra Money for "Extra" Expenses
Okay, thank you. We will check out the child support order for the specifics.