Child Support - Does child support continue when the child is away from
the custodial parent's home for a camping trip?
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Question
My former spouse wants to send our son to summer camp for 7 weeks.
She is asking for extra money besides my child support payments.
I say since he will not be with her for seven weeks why can’t that money
be used towards helping her since I’m on a budget as it is. What
does the child support money go to that I will pay her when he is away
and when he is with me other times for 11 days in a row when we go camping?
Answer
Child support is intended to offset costs of raising a child which are
(minimally) food, shelter and clothing. A support payer does not
have a legal obligation to pay more for activities such as summer camp
unless directed to do so by an order of the court. Support
continues as ordered even when the minor child is away from home (such
as the camping experience) in order for the custodial parent to maintain
the home. Many older court orders also provide for a parenting time
credit during periods when the minor child is with the support payer for
periods exceeding six overnights. You may wish to check your support
order to see if there is similar language. If so, you will need to
claim the credit for specific periods of time by submitting a credit request
to the friend of the court in your jurisdiction.
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Last Updated: 1-4-10
Send your comments, questions and suggestions to Phil Harter at 161
E Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, Michigan 49014 or e mail to: pharter@calhouncountymi.gov