Raising kids in Georgia is expensive, especially if you and your child’s other parent are divorcing. Even if you and your former partner have a child support arrangement, additional costs will always arise.
While there is no way for you to foresee every expense, here are some tips to follow to make unexpected child costs a little easier to manage.
Create a thorough parenting plan
Before you and your partner complete your divorce, you should create a thorough parenting plan that includes an agreement on who is responsible for which child-related expenses. If you cover all of your bases in the arrangement, you will have a clearer picture of where your financial responsibilities lie. Allotting some of your monthly income for unplanned expenses can help make your child’s costs more manageable.
Keep an open flow of communication
Your ex may not be your favorite person in the world, but the two of you still share a child and should keep an open flow of communication. Not only is this a best practice for co-parenting, but it is also an excellent way to stay informed about what is going on in your child’s life to anticipate what they may need money to cover. If you and your spouse practice polite communication, you are more likely to reach a civil compromise when the time comes to shell out for your child’s next hefty expense.
Going through a divorce is tough, especially when children are in the mix. However, following these tips may help you reduce the stress relating to your children and finances.
