Child support is one of the leading concerns for parents who file for divorce. These are payments made by the non-custodial parent to the other parent for the financial support of any children with whom the individuals share paternity and maternity.
Though the state of Arkansas has a set of guidelines that establish child support payments, there is often concern about how the money is eventually spent. Given that the money is for the care and expenses related to the child, the non-custodial parent may want proof that the funds are being used wisely.
The limitations of the law
Arkansas law decides how much the non-custodial parent must pay, but it does not direct how the other parent handles the money. The goal is to maintain the standard of living the child is already comfortable with. The funds should take care of medical care, clothing, food, education-related expenses, entertainment and college expenses. There is no requirement to prove how the funds are being used.
The challenge to the system
Visitation or talking with your child can provide insight into where your child support payments are going. If you see that certain needs are being ignored or if there is evidence of a sufficient lack of adequate care for the child, there may be options to return to court and revisit child support obligations.
There are very few circumstances that could change child support awards, and these would need legal counsel to pursue. Without court involvement, you have little to no control over child support spending.
