Child support is a monetary obligation that a noncustodial parent/responsible party pays to the parent who has physical custody of the child. The purpose of child support is to ensure that both parents, regardless of their relationship with each other, financially support their children to the best of their ability. Although child support money belongs to the child, its the responsibility of the custodial parent to use the funds to provide for the childs needs. Here are some of the things that child support can be used for:

• Basic needs such as food, clothing, and housing.
• Health care expenses.
• Childcare expenses, including daycare services, babysitters, nannies, or other childcare costs and fees.
• Transportation/travel expenses.
• Educational expenses, such as tuition, supplies, and field trip fees.
• Extracurricular activities.
• College expenses.

Parents are responsible for providing proper food, clothing, and housing for their children, so child support can always be used to cover these necessities. However, parents can come to an agreement regarding the amount of the child support order, and the use of an agreement can allow the parties to account for payment of things the court may not. Courts dont require parents who receive child support to prove that the child support payments go toward specific expenses or activities.