What Is Child Support For? This Morning’s Rant

I’m not sure how this morning’s rant evolved, but here goes.

I’ve heard both sides of the argument about child support payments, from the moms and the dads, the custodial parents vs. the non- or part-time-custodial parents, but you should know that I am on the side of “Team Mom.”

Most of the time.

When a spouse pays child support, the argument is that all the funds should go to the child and on the surface, this seems logical. However, if a custodial parent works and their paycheck pays for everything (and I mean, EVERYTHING), then when these funds come in, they could offset some living and extra expenses that one could otherwise never afford. Think of it as one big pot of money that increases by a child support payment. If your budget supports only the daily necessities (as a responsible adult) and you happen to get an extra bit of money, wouldn’t you like to be able to treat you and your children to something? A mini vacay? A few new clothes?

I can hear the angry mob now and have heard the arguments on both sides, but it seems to me that if all of my money has gone to pay for all expenses to keep my children happy, safe, healthy, warm, and fed, then when that fundage comes in, it can go into my budget pot to be distributed however I choose.

Okay, so when is it not okay?

When a woman remarries, child support does not become her dowry. Child support should be reduced due to the spouse taking on the role of the absent parent. How much of a reduction? I have not given that a lot of thought but if I were to throw a number out there, I’d say by half. This is a point I want to ponder about this morning, and will seek opinions from those who have been on both sides of the fence, and perhaps provide an updated opinion about this, or perhaps it will confirm my original one.

*out for more coffee*