Child Support: This list can be a planning tool for separated or divorced parents to use to help figure out how much money needs to be transferred from one parent to the other so that the children will be well provided for in both homes.
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Spousal Support: The list can also be used to figure out how much spousal support is needed.
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Formulas and Guidelines: The Commonwealth of Virginia offers formulas and/or guidelines to determine these matters, but many people prefer to take a closer look at the actual financial needs of each household.
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This list is not exhaustive but includes the most common categories of monthly expenses. You can copy it and paste it into a spreadsheet and fill out one column for each parent or spouse involved in the decision. Add any categories that are relevant for your family.
| HOUSING |
| rent |
| primary mortgage, including tax and insurance |
| second mortgage or home equity line |
| homeowners association dues |
| house maintenance and repairs |
| timeshare fees |
| house cleaning and/or lawn care services |
| UTILITIES |
| water |
| electricity |
| gas |
| trash removal |
| cable/internet/phone |
| cell phone |
| TRANSPORTATION |
| car payment |
| car insurance |
| gas for car |
| car maintenance and repair |
| car registration and inspection |
| car tax |
| tolls and parking fees |
| Metro and bus fares |
| GROCERIES |
| food and drink for parent |
| food and drink for kid(s) |
| CLOTHING |
| clothes for parent |
| clothes for kids |
| dry cleaning |
| INSURANCE |
| life insurance |
| disability insurance |
| medical insurance |
| dental insurance |
| homeowner’s insurance |
| ADULT HEALTH CARE EXPENSES |
| doctors’ fees not covered by insurance |
| dental expenses not covered by insurance |
| vision care not covered by insurance |
| psychotherapy not covered by insurance |
| prescriptions and OTC medicines not covered |
| MISCELLANEOUS |
| household supplies |
| pet expenses |
| adult hobbies and sports |
| house cleaning service |
| yard care |
| personal grooming |
| charitable contributions |
| newspapers/magazines |
| gifts |
| anything else? |
| CHILD EXPENSES |
| food |
| clothing |
| school tuition, supplies, fees, and lunches |
| tutoring |
| day care |
| evening and weekend child care |
| summer camps |
| lessons and sports |
| health care expenses not covered by insurance |
| RECREATION |
| computers/electronics |
| restaurants and movies |
| entertainment |
| vacations |
| DEBT PAYMENTS |
| credit card 1 |
| credit card 2 |
| other |
| SUM OF MONTHLY EXPENSES |
