WISCONSIN – The American bailout is expected to be a lifeline for parents who receive additional incentives for their children based on their tax returns from the previous year. But it causes a rift in some households.
What you need to know
- The American bailout is expected to be a lifeline for parents who receive extra incentive money for their children based on their tax returns from the previous year
- For co-parents who split custody arrangements where only one parent can claim the child and receive the money, the incentive can create significant disagreements
- There are no clear answers, laws or rules. Instead, a judge will likely make a final decision
However, for co-parents who split custody arrangements where only one parent can claim the child and receive the money, the incentive can create significant disagreements.
Wauwatosa attorney, Tarena Washington-Franklin, says the pandemic has forced many parents to reach out to them about issues with stimulus payments, changes in child placement, disagreements on health decisions, and other coronavirus-related issues.
She says that when it comes to a lot, there are no clear answers, laws or rules. Instead, a judge will likely make a final decision.
“We encourage parents to work together to avoid fighting … because our judges are preoccupied with the same issues everywhere,” said Washington-Franklin.
Custody agreements that give one parent more space could mean they can keep the entire stimulus payment. Washington-Franklin advises parents, however, to resolve problems before they are brought to justice.
“It’s just a lot of different scenarios based on understanding the parties and what is in the best interests of the child,” said Washington-Franklin.
She said if parents split agreements, they should probably split the check.
“You’d think it would make sense to split the stimulus check logically, but logic doesn’t always come into play in family courts.”
Washington-Franklin encourages families with more complex problems to see a professional. She can be contacted at the Washington-Franklin law firms.
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