What Can I Do if My Ex is Spending Child Support Money on Themselves? 

Child support payments are intended to be for the direct benefit of the children following a divorce. Within that context, there is a wide range of acceptable uses for child support funds that may not all be strictly related to a child's basic expenses. Of course, child support can be used for clothing, food, medical costs, or school expenses, but it can also be used for entertainment and vacations. If you feel your child's other parent is spending child support money on themselves, contact experienced Austin child support lawyers.

There are almost always expenses that benefit the children as well as their custodial parents. Rent, utilities, and household items are necessary to raise a child, and a parent may save child support funds in case of emergencies. However, if a parent is spending child support money in ways that are not associated with the welfare of the children, this can be a problem. Recognizing how child support can be improperly used is important for taking action when necessary. 

How Can I Find Out How My Ex Spends Child Support? 

Parents paying child support cannot get a detailed list of how child support funds are spent. Once child support payments are ordered by a court, the parent who receives the payments has complete discretion when it comes to how they spend the payments as long as they serve the children's best interests. Parents paying child support who are concerned about how funds are spent will need to raise the issue in court or with the Texas Child Support Division. 

Inform the Authorities if Children's Needs Are Not Being Met

The best thing concerned parents can do is collect evidence that the child support is being used illegally or in a way that causes neglect or harm to the children. Judges or other authorities can order changes to child support or intervene to ensure the children are being appropriately cared for. This may include requiring the parent receiving child support payments to provide an accounting of how the money has been spent. If the court finds that the children have been neglected, they may even order a change of custody. 

Steps to Take if You Think Child Support Is Spent Wrongly

Start by having an open and honest conversation with your ex-spouse about your concerns. Misunderstandings can sometimes lead to assumptions. Communicate your worries about how the child support funds are spent and ask for clarification. Stay focused on your children's well-being. If you believe the child support funds are not being used appropriately, express your concern about how it affects the children's needs rather than accusing your ex-spouse.

Next, carefully review the child support agreement or court order that outlines the specific terms of child support payments. Make sure you understand how the money is meant to be used. If there are any stipulations in the agreement about using funds, remind your ex-spouse of these terms.

Keep detailed records of your child support payments, including receipts, canceled checks, bank statements, or any other proof of payment. This documentation can be valuable if you must demonstrate that you are fulfilling your financial obligations.

If you decide to take legal action, gather evidence supporting your claim of fund misuse. This could include bank statements showing questionable expenses or witnesses who can testify about how the money is being used.

Finally, if your attempts at communication do not yield results and you remain concerned about the misuse of child support funds, consult an Austin child support attorney. They can provide legal guidance on addressing the situation effectively and advise you on potential courses of action.

Speak with Austin Child Support Attorneys Today

If you are concerned that child support is being used for frivolous expenses unrelated to your children at the expense of their well-being, an experienced Austin child support attorney at our firm may be able to help you. We take child support matters seriously and will aggressively advocate on your behalf to ensure your children have what they need. Contact Powers and Kerr, PLLC online or by phone at 512-610-6199 to learn more about how we can help.