As a parent, you have a duty to care and provide for your child until they can fend for themselves. And most often, this is what happens.
However, when parents divorce or separate, the family court might get involved when determining how the child will be provided for. This is where a child support order comes in. But can you pay child support in cash?
Paying child support in cash
When the court issues a child support order, it will often stipulate how the paying parent will make the payments. In Ohio, child support payments are processed by the state’s child support payment central. The paying parent can remit the funds using a credit card, checking account debit, Moneygram or in-person.
Before deciding to pay child support directly to the receiving parent, it is important that you review the order. If the order expressly indicates the date and mode of payment, then you’d rather follow this.
While paying child support directly to the receiving parent may seem easy and convenient, do understand that this option can cause problems down the road, especially if the other parent disputes receipt of payments.
Documenting the payments can save the day
If the court does not specify how you should pay child support, then you may opt for cash payments, as long as this is convenient for both parties. However, it is important that you keep a clear record of the payments. Detailing when you made the payment, the amount in question as well as purpose of payment can help clear the air should your ex sue for non-payment.
Yes, you may pay child support in cash. Before taking this route, however, be sure to read and understand the child support order.