What is child support meant to cover?

So what is it? Child Support covers expenses for children such as food, housing, clothes, school costs and other activities. Parents are otherwise generally required to each bear the costs of raising their children when they are in their care.

What is an extraordinary expense child support?

Child support may be used to pay for uninsured or “extraordinary” medical expenses. Some examples of “extraordinary” medical expenses are any out-of-pocket medical costs that exceed the cost of a basic health care insurance plan, including co-pays, deductibles, and surgery costs.

At what age can a child refuse visitation in Louisiana?

If the child is at least 12 years old, courts will usually give the child’s preference some weight. Courts don’t have to follow a child’s custodial preference. The court decides how much weight to give each child’s opinion by considering the rationale behind the child’s preference.

What happens if my ex-spouse does not pay child support?

Even if your ex doesn’t have a job, the judge can impute income by using many factors, such as education, work history, etc. 3. Ensure that court penalties are paid by your spouse. If your ex is not paying child support, the court can and will penalize your ex, as courts always look out for the best interests of the child.

Can a non custodial father withhold child support from his ex?

A common complaint of non-custodial fathers is that their ex refuses to honor custody or visitation orders. In this situation, there is a temptation to withhold child support, but this is not allowed. Child support payments and visitation are considered by law to be separate issues.

Do I have to pay child support if my ex refuses visitation?

Child support payments and visitation are considered by law to be separate issues. If your ex is not abiding by the custody decree by providing visitation as required, you will need to go back to court to enforce the court order. You have an obligation to financially support your children, regardless of any visitation issues.

Can a lawyer help me reduce child support from my Ex?

But before you agree to reduce child support, you should confirm that your ex’s claims are legitimate and not just an attempt to avoid paying. If an attorney represented you in your child support case —and you can afford additional fees—you may want to ask your lawyer to contact your ex (or your ex’s attorney).