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anthony09 · Jan 23, 2012, 10:39 AM

I don't pay child support, but I support my child financially.. Example, school materials, clothes, food, active bank account,personal materials, could I still get in trouble with legal issues?

Fr_Chuck · Jan 23, 2012, 10:49 AM

Yes, you don't pay child support. If there is a legal order to pay support, you have to pay it. If there is no order, the mother could at any time go get one, and in many places get back support ordered. What you are doing now, is giving her or the child gifts.

You need to give a specific check each month noted as child support.

kcomissiong · Jan 23, 2012, 10:53 AM

It depends on your location. If you live in an area that allows retroactive support and she were to file, you could be required to pay past support, which would instantly put you in arrears. Similarly, if what you have been providing does not meet the guidelines for support based on your income, you could be in arrears for the difference (provided you are able to prove what you have paid). If you are inarrears, you could lose your licence, have your wages garnished, your tax refund seized, and you can even be jailed.

Child support provides for your child, and protects both parents. She has the legal means to pursue you should you not pay support properly, and you are protected from claims of non-support and have an amuotn set by the court that will satisfy your legal obligation. I suggest formally establishing your support.

anthony09 · Jan 23, 2012, 11:01 AM

Fr_ chuck
Thank you for your answer.I didn't think that clothing my child and taking care of her expenses where considered gifts (from a legal) point of view. The reason why I don't give my child mother fiancial support is because she would spend the money on her self instead of my child.. how ever I am programed to pay like 200$ but I spend more than that monthly like on my child's clothes, food, school material, and bonding moments, example zoo, restaurants etc..

jenniepepsi · Jan 23, 2012, 01:49 PM

If you are required by a court of law to pay child support, then YES you can get in very serious trouble for NOT paying it.

Fr_Chuck · Jan 23, 2012, 01:58 PM

Material things are not considered child support by law ( in the US anyway) you may be ordered by court to do some of those. But if there is a child support order in place, you have to give them the money, they use it to pay their rent, to buy foods