You and your ex share custody of your child. Children come with a lot of expenses, which married parents share. It’s a bit harder for you as a divorced parent.
Your child comes to your house after a week with your ex, for instance, and tells you about some school supplies that are necessary. Your ex neglected to buy them and your child needs them tomorrow. You purchase them, but you want to get a reimbursement from your ex for half of the cost.
This type of thing happens a lot, and it can be very stressful. Here are four tips that can help:
- Write things down at the beginning and create a solid plan. Consider things like school supplies, medical expenses and the like. Do not let things take you by surprise. This way, if your ex won’t pay something, you have a document to show that he or she is responsible.
- Keep any arguments away from the kids. You and your ex may need to discuss money, but do not do it in front of them so that they feel like a burden.
- Track all expenses specifically, with paperwork, perhaps in a shared document. This way, there is no confusion when your ex says something cost “about $50” and you think it was much more or much less.
- Consider various ways to send reimbursements. Waiting until you see each other to exchange cash can be stressful. Checks may bounce. Consider fast, easy solutions like smartphone apps that allow you to transfer money back and forth instantly.
If you and your ex get into a serious disagreement about money and support, make sure you know all of your legal options.
Source: Our Family Wizard, “4 Simple Tips for Removing Stress from Shared Expenses and Reimbursements,” accessed April 20, 2018
