Why Should You Pay Child Support?

Any divorce is challenging. Add in children and it can get downright nasty. It can be very hard to decide who should have the children and when. The most common child custody agreement is when one parent has the children the most. However, split custody where children spend equal time with their parents is becoming more popular.

No matter what type of custody agreement is decided, child support can also be a tough decision. Some parents don't want to have to pay their ex-spouse money for their children. However, that can be a mistake.

Here are some reasons why you should pay child support.

It was designed to support your child. Though it may feel like you are giving money to your ex, the truth is that money should be used toward your child. You are helping to put food on the table and a roof over your child's head with the money that you give to your ex. It should also go toward clothing and extracurricular activities that your children enjoy.

Child support was also designed so that your children can have the same lifestyle that they had prior to the divorce. Your children are going through this divorce with you. They also have to deal with the decisions that you made. It is important to remember that they are losing a lot. They will no longer have two parents living together. In fact, both of their parents may work, and it can put a real strain on them. They may have to move out of the home that they grew up in.

Just because you are making these changes doesn't mean that your children should have to worry about money. They should still be able to go to school, get new clothes, and go to the movies with their friends. Your child support money will ensure that your children don't have to lose too much during this time.

It also allows your children to grow. Child support should also be used to help your children grow and learn. Your children may want to play an instrument or sports. They may also want to pick up a new hobby, such as baking or crafting. By paying child support, you are allowing your children to continue to do whatever they want, without worrying about how they are going to pay for it.

It helps you legally. If you don't pay your child support payments on time, your ex-spouse can take you back to court. There are serious legal ramifications for those who don't keep up with their payments. Some employers can even take them out of your paycheck to ensure that your children are being taken care of. You may even lose your license or spend time in jail for not paying.

Though child support may seem like a lot, the truth is that it does cost a lot of money to raise a child. You need to support your children so that they can continue to live the way that they are used to. You are putting food on their table and a roof over their heads. You are allowing them to find joy, whether that is through baseball or 4-H. If your children want to spend time with their friends, you don't want money to be the reason that they can't.

Most parents don't want their children worrying about money, so it is important that you keep up with your child support payments. Even more important, you don't want to have a legal battle on your hands. You could even face jail time if you don't take care of your children like you are supposed to.

Previously published on Medium.