The temperatures are starting to drop and holiday cheer is starting to fill the air. As many people complete their Christmas shopping, some might be wondering, “can holiday gifts be counted towards child support?” Child support can be a complicated issue and it is normal for questions to be present. For those wondering if their Christmas shopping can be taken out of their child support, there are a few important points to keep in mind.
The General Rule of Child Support and Gifts
Unfortunately, for the parent who isn’t the custodian, there isn’t a path for holiday gifts to be counted as some sort of credit toward child support. Even if the gifts count as some sort of necessity, it isn’t going to come out of the regular payment plan. For example, if someone owes $100 per month in child support and they spend that much on gifts for their child, they still owe $100 for the month. There isn’t a path for holiday gifts to be counted toward child support payments.
Giving Gifts if the Money is Tight
The holidays can be an expensive time of the year, especially when there are people who are spending hundreds of dollars on Christmas presents. If the money is really tight, it is a good idea to pay the child support payment first. Then, if there isn’t much money left for Christmas, this is a reality of the situation. Remember that failing to make child support payments on time can result in wages being garnished, driver’s licenses being restricted, and other punishments. If there has been a change in income, it is a good idea to speak with a child support attorney. There might be pathways to a child support obligation reduction.
Strategies Surrounding Gift-Giving and Divorce
When divorced individuals are looking to provide gifts for their children, it is a good idea to coordinate for the benefit of the kids. This will reduce the tension and frustration surrounding the holiday season. Some of the strategies include:
- Decide whether the gifts are all going to one house or if they are being split between the two houses
- Decide whether the gifts are going to “Santa” or have individual parent names on them
- Decide whether the gifts are all going to come on the same day or if they will arrive on different days
Thinking about this ahead of time can make the holiday season run much more smoothly for families who have experienced divorce.
Rely on an Experienced Child Support Lawyer Salt Lake City, Utah
With the holidays right around the corner, this is a common time for issues to arise regarding child support and Christmas gifts. The holidays are supposed to be a time for joy and happiness, which is why you should rely on an experienced child support lawyer in Salt Lake City, Utah. At Wall & Wall Attorneys at Law, P.C., we are here to listen to your personal matters without judgment. We will explore all of your options, treat you with respect, and vigorously defend your rights. With over four decades of experience, we are here for you. To learn more about our services, call us today.
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