What Expenses Can Child Support Cover?

As any parent knows, raising a child is very expensive. In Utah, courts can order one parent to pay child support to the other parent. The purpose of child support is to make sure a child’s needs are met. Contrary to popular believe, child support can cover more than a child’s basic necessities.

There are so many costs to consider in raising a child. Utah law does not specifically address which of these costs child support must be used for. The parent who receives the support has the discretion to use the money however he or she believes is best for the child, with some limitations. Essentially, unless the child’s basic needs are not being met, courts will assume that the parent is using the child support to pay for the child’s necessary expenses.

Paying for basic necessities, such as good, clothing, and shelter, is the most obvious way to use child support. Child support can also be used to pay for the child’s medical expenses. Generally, courts will order the parents to provide health insurance for the child if it is available at a reasonable cost. Courts may also order the parents to split any out-of-pocket costs, which are also known as extraordinary medical expenses. These costs can be covered by child support.

Child support may also be used to pay for child care, extracurricular activities, and education-related costs, like tuition and school supplies. As an earlier post demonstrated, child support can even include college expenses.

Another expense you may not have considered is transportation, For example, if the child must travel out of state to visit the other parent, child support could help pay for the plane tickets.

Essentially, child support is intended to help a parent pay for the child’s needs, whatever those needs may be. To get help with your child support case, contact a family law attorney.

Protect Your Money And Your Family

We remove fear associated with divorce, protect your money & maximize time with your kids!

We're here to help. Let's determine your best options.

Call Us 24//7 at 801-685-9999 to Speak with a Live Representative

Utah Divorce FAQs
Top 100 Divorce Blog
What Clients Are Saying…
BrownLaw icon
Excellent
Brown Family Law
Based on 996 reviews
I can’t recommend Nick Schwarz enough. He really cares about his clients, goes above and beyond to exceed expectations and he does extra research to offer insights no one else would think of. I’ve worked with him on several projects in the past and he’s always both very impressive and intrinsically creative. Would recommend him to anyone.
Nick Schwarz and I were colleagues and he is extremely thoughtful and cared about clients. He is an excellent attorney and an even better person. He will make an excellent addition to any case.
Fantastic attorney, incredibly knowledgeable and caring. Wonderful attitude with clients. Highly responsive, and acts quickly. Never leaves you hanging.
Dani is the best paralegal I know. Clear communication, professional, and intelligent.
Paul Waldron offers a competent and mindful approach to navigating family law. Thank you Paul for being an asset in our community that we can all depend on.
Truly so grateful for the care and expertise of Brown Family Law. (Specifically Carren and Daniel) I’ve been going through a really difficult time, and having legal support met with such kindness and understanding meant the world to me. They not only provided excellent guidance, but also made me feel seen and supported. I will always refer people here and am so grateful for the compassion I experienced.
I cannot recommend Attorney Nicholas Schwarz highly enough! He is extremely professional, responsive, and truly dedicated to his clients. What sets Nick apart is not only his deep knowledge of the law, but also the genuine care and compassion he shows for his clients. He takes the time to explain everything clearly, answer questions promptly, and make you feel supported throughout the entire process. If you’re looking for someone who will fight for you while keeping your best interests at heart, Nick is your person!
Nick Schwarz is an outstanding attorney who combines sharp legal skills with genuine care for his clients. He is professional, attentive, and deeply committed to helping families through challenging times. I highly recommend him.
Idania is great!! She’s very helpful and attentive
Nick is an exceptional attorney—sharp, reliable, and truly client-focused. He makes complex legal matters easy to understand, responds quickly, and consistently goes the extra mile to deliver results. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of outstanding legal representation.
yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7

Categories