The common problems of proving child support is owed or has been paid can be solved with some simple record keeping planning.
1. If you are the person paying child support and the monies are not collected by the Child Support Enforcement Bureau, open a new checking account and use it only for paying child support obligations. The checks will be sequentially numbered, easy to find and the bank statements will be easy to review.
2. If you are the parent receiving child support keep a log of when the payment was due and when it was received. Take a picture or make a copy of each check. Keep a running balance of whether payments are current or in arrears.
3. If either parent takes the child for medical treatment send a copy of the paid bill to the other parent immediately. If you let the bill sit around it will either get lost or remain unpaid. Do not stockpile bills and then sent a huge amount of bills every six months or once a year. It is much easier to obtain reimbursement of a small amount than a larger accumulation of bills.
4. If you are required to consult with the other parent prior to incurring the expense, do so in writing. If you are not consenting to the expense respond in writing and state the reason. Keep in mind these documents may be utilized in court, so keep it civil.
5. College expenses are complicated and therefore you must provide copies of the bursar's statement which shows all charges, scholarships, grants, loans and payments made. Provide the bill in advance so that the non-custodial parent has a chance to review and pay it. Do not wait until the first day of class to ask for the payment. Provide copies of the book expenses and other related expenses as well.
6. Child care expenses should be paid by check or credit card. If you are paying cash you must have a receipt which preferably is detailed of the days and hours for the charges.
7. Last but most important do not pay these bills with cash. If you must use cash, then you MUST get a receipt. If you do not have a receipt you cannot prove payment. If you lose the receipt you cannot prove payment, unlike checks (see item number one above).