Definition of Child Support???

[suppermom57]

What is the name of your state? Wisconsin

I would like to know what the "legal" definition of child support is and what is included when paying child support. I'm a NCP that pays child support and I'm getting grief from my ex's wife about how I should be paying half of EVERYTHING for the kids. She is going on and on about how SHE has to pay for things for my kids. They have physical placement....
She also is complaining about how my kids from my ex get everything before her kids(I know that is a situation between her and her husband).What is the name of your state?

 

[ceara19]

What is the name of your state? Wisconsin

I would like to know what the "legal" definition of child support is and what is included when paying child support. I'm a NCP that pays child support and I'm getting grief from my ex's wife about how I should be paying half of EVERYTHING for the kids. She is going on and on about how SHE has to pay for things for my kids. They have physical placement....
She also is complaining about how my kids from my ex get everything before her kids(I know that is a situation between her and her husband).What is the name of your state?

Tell her that matters concerning YOUR child are none of her damn business and if she continues to butt in on matters between YOU and YOUR ex, you will have no choice but to bring the matter to court.

 

[suppermom57]

What grounds would I have to take it back to court?

 

[Neal1421]

It's not worth it. Ignore her. Pay only what your court order tells you to order.

 

[ceara19]

What grounds would I have to take it back to court?

Parental interference. She wouldn't technically be a party to the suit between you and your ex. However, it's your ex's responsibility to keep her on a leash when it come to matters concerning YOUR children. If he can;t manage to do that, a change of custody may be necessary. I bet that would change her attitude about the NCP paying for 50% of the expenses in addition to child support.

 

[suppermom57]

Ok....have another ?.....I took my daughter to get her driver's license in November and asked her father to pay half of the cost....$17.50.....ex's wife is just shocked of how I would have even asked for them to pay half. Was I right in asking for half or just left it alone?
Another situation is going to be coming up with my daughter: senior pics...is that something we would split? I'm not opposed to splitting this cost, but my ex's wife says they should be the ones to choose where she does and doesn't go, as with college.

I'm so confused!!

 

[ceara19]

Ok....have another ?.....I took my daughter to get her driver's license in November and asked her father to pay half of the cost....$17.50.....ex's wife is just shocked of how I would have even asked for them to pay half. Was I right in asking for half or just left it alone?
Another situation is going to be coming up with my daughter: senior pics...is that something we would split? I'm not opposed to splitting this cost, but my ex's wife says they should be the ones to choose where she does and doesn't go, as with college.

I'm so confused!!

I don't necessarily think that it was out of line to ask for him to pay for half of the DL fees. That is a very subjective matter though, because a child doesn't NEED a DL. As far as the senior pics are concerned, offer to pay for half of the sitting fee ONLY and then order whatever pictures YOU would like and pay for those. If dad would like portraits of his own, he can pay for those. Somebody needs to tell the wife that "they" don't get to make any decisions concerning YOUR children. The only WE and US involved are you, your ex, and your children.

 

[suppermom57]

Our decree doesn't say anything.....only about child support. I just didn't know if a driver's license would be something that CP would pay for with child support???
No, I guess she didn't like the shoe on the other foot......I could have asked for the whole amount reimbursed, but I didn't.....

 

[suppermom57]

Wait a minute, sugarplum....I'm the one who pays CS and my ex is wanting ME to pay up and beyond CS.

 

[ceara19]

Our decree doesn't say anything.....only about child support. I just didn't know if a driver's license would be something that CP would pay for with child support???
No, I guess she didn't like the shoe on the other foot......I could have asked for the whole amount reimbursed, but I didn't.....

DL fee's and senior portraits aren't NECESSARY expenses. For these types of things, normally the parent that incurs the expense would pay the entire amount, unless they agreed otherwise.

 

[CJane]

If your decree doesn't specify anything beyond CS, then Dad doesn't HAVE to pay anything beyond CS.

Just a clarification. I believe OP is the NCP Mother in this case. So it's the new wife who's bitching about having to support the CP's kids beyond what MOM is ordered to pay.

 

[suppermom57]

I don't know how this would work then.....my ex's wife made the DL appt(where and when) and I took her. I don't know who the expense would actually lie on. That is why I asked for half of what I spent. I thought that was fair.
Thanks for the advice on the SR pics....only paying half of the sitting fee.

 

[Silverplum]

Just a clarification. I believe OP is the NCP Mother in this case. So it's the new wife who's bitching about having to support the CP's kids beyond what MOM is ordered to pay.

Okay. I see the series of my misunderstanding -- I thought OP was also CP of her own kid and was discussing both situations. I'll remove my posts. Thanks for clarifying.

 

[suppermom57]

Yes, CJane that is correct.....I'm the NCP paying CS and current wife is bitching about having to pay for CP and my children beyond what CS order says.

 

[ceara19]

I don't know how this would work then.....my ex's wife made the DL appt(where and when) and I took her. I don't know who the expense would actually lie on. That is why I asked for half of what I spent. I thought that was fair.
Thanks for the advice on the SR pics....only paying half of the sitting fee.

Since the extra expense was AGREED upon by both parties, then the cost should be split (however, SM shouldn't be making appointments for your children). Extra expenses that are incurred because a o unilateral decision made by one parent should be paid for by the parent that made the decision. Child support covers the necessities, food, shelter, clothing, etc. If dad and SM decide to send the child to a $2000 summer camp without consulting you on the matter, they shouldn't expect you to pay for half. If they decide to buy designer clothes instead of shopping at Target, that is their decision and they get to foot the bill.