The cost of raising a child in California can be very high, and the purpose of child support is to provide the custodial parent with the funds necessary to provide for a child’s needs. Some people believe that child support only covers the basic necessities like food and shelter – but it can actually cover many different expenses for a child.
Basic necessities: Children need food, clothing, and shelter at a bare minimum. With child support, the custodial parent can purchase groceries for the child, provide him or her with age and weather-appropriate clothing, and pay for the various costs associated with the home (rent, mortgage payments, utility bills, etc.).
Medical care: Child support can help a parent cover the gaps between what his or her medical insurance pays for and the cost of the treatment. Parents can use child support to pay for co-pays, dental care, eyeglasses, and other treatments that insurance doesn’t cover.
Educational costs: Schooling can be quite expensive, even if a child attends public school. Parents might use child support to cover some of these fees, including lunch money, textbooks, and school clothes.
Childcare: Working parents can’t always be home to watch their children, but childcare costs can be expensive. With child support, parents can pay for daycare, babysitters, and afterschool programs.