Should non-custodial parent have to pay for teenage son a car?

NO absolutely not , nor will a judge force him to buy his son a car.. 1. he cant actually drive till hes 16 so thats crazy to demand one when hes 15 in the first place.. 2. a minor cant own a car so who is going to be responsible for this car? Her? is he buying "HER" a car cause it cant be in the minors name, and if thats the case who is going to pay the insurance for this car? your husband? Im sorry at 15.. he's old enough to start looking at getting a job and saving his money to buy a car when he turns 16.. also in my expirence with children, they tend to respect things more when they have to work, earn and save up the money for things.. instead of when they get them handed on a silver platter.. He needs to tell her absolutely NOT to the car, and either tell the son that he needs to earn his own car by working for it, or to tell him that he pays c/s every month and that if his mom would like to use that to purchase him a car thats fine, but other wise he will not purchase a vehicle for him..

No he should not have to buy him a brand new car, but it has nothing to with child support or him being the non-custodial parent. It's simply because you guys cannot afford it. This kid is 14 and at they age they seem to think money grows on trees. He will understand when he gets older. If he's mad for now, then oh-well. I was mad at my parents for not being a car at all! But I got over it and later understood why, as will your step-son. What I think should happen is both sets of parents should go in halves on a car that can be equally afforded by all involved. If the son insists on a new car, then buy him nothing and tell him when he can afford it...he can buy it himself. Having 2 sets of parents and 2 homes is hard enough on this child and it seems the mother in this situation is only catering to his unhappiness.

A car is a luxury not a necessity. He is not obligated to buy a car. IMO, a car for a 15 year old is paramount to giving him a loaded gun. In no way shape or form is he even remotely ready for that kind of responsibility.

I lived with my dad. Guess what? He NEVER bought me a car. When I was 18 and graduated from high school, he helped me buy my own car (FYI a used car worth 1500.00 might I add, but I was proud to have it-lol), but I had to pay him back. And I did. Parents need to teach kids responsibility and buying a 15 year old a new car shows irresponsibility.

I can't see any judge in any jurisdiction in America ordering your husband to buy his teenage son a car either.

I believe that as parents we have a responsibility to provide for our children. However, Your husband is being placed in a very compromising position. I not sure if 15yr. old children can even get a license to drive, but if the boy wants a car it should be a used car in good shape. Neither parent should be completely responsible for the expense, I think each parent should pay according to means in this case. Children need to learn responsibility. A used car will teach him how to care for a car and the costs. Your husband IS doing is part as a parent to these boys, and he should not feel guilty. As far as the ex, inform her that she's making things much more difficult and if she continues, things may go completely sour.

Shame shame shame on that mother!!! Shame on her!

She should NOT have those children calling and asking their father! Shame on her! This is bad bad parenting on her part!!!

A 14 year-old does NOT need a new car. A 14 year-old DOES NOT need an OLD USED car!!

I certainly respect you and your husband for paying your child support. Much much respect for you for getting it paid every month and ON TIME.

It's ashamed because the 14 year-old is too young to understand...but he should understand NO (you don't have the money right now).

I'm still in disbelief....shame on that mother! She should be very well appreciative that she is receiving monthly child support. After all, she could be receiving nothing at all like many other mothers out there!

I feel for you. What a terrible situation to be in.

That said, my opinion is that no teenager should be given a car. And I say that from experience.

My hubby and I gave our 17 year old twins cars when they got their licenses. They have been required to buy gas and keep the cars maintained. But if I had it to do over again, they would have to at least pay for half of the car and the insurance as well as gas and maintenance.

I say this because I think that teens appreciate things more if they work for them. My hubby and I had no choice but to work for what we got because we both came from very poor families. My kids have not done without, and although we have tried not to spoil them, they are spoiled.

I would do it differently if I could go back and do it again. Just stick to your guns and say no. You guys can't afford it, and your family should not do without for this kid to have a car.

Good luck.

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RE :Should non-custodial parent have to pay for teenage son a car?

My husband's ex-wife has spent the past few months badgering my hubby with requests to buy their son a car. He is 14 years old and wants a brand new one for his 15th birthday. My husband pays $1000 per month in child support to her for the 14 year old and their 6 year old. She makes about $60,000 per year from her income as a teacher with a masters degree. He makes about $40,000 (before taxes come out). We have a two year old and a 10 month old and it is really hard on us to pay this money out, but we do it (every time and on time). I cannot believe she is demanding he buy him a car. We can't even afford a new car, and my husband is driving a 1997 Ford Escort with over 150,000 miles on it. When he tells the ex no, that he can't afford to buy him one...she gets mad and gets the 14 year old to call him and ask for the car. Once, his six year old brother called and asked his dad to buy his brother a car! It was not ordered in the decree, & she is trying to play his guilt and love for son.

Update: I also forgot to add that in the divorce, my husband left her a 2001 Volvo that the boys could have used. She sold it last year and went to Europe with her boyfriend.

Update 2: Also, my parents never bought my sister or myself a car. We worked full time through college and paid for that ourselves and our cars. I expect the same from my children. It taught me to appreciate things so much more.

Follow 34 answers

Is a compromise possible? Im assuming he also is required to provide medical coverage as well and based on his income the CS sounds high. Remember that its not the childs fault and how easily they get dragged into this sort of thing. He just wants wheels. Can you buy him a cheap car with cash and ask her to pay the liability insurance? Why does he need a car at 14? Can he work and save until he is 16 and can drive it?

He needs to stand firm.. no child needs a new car!

The next time his son calls tell him to let his son know that if he wants a car so badly he can get a job and earn half the money. Once he has half, then tell your husband to let his ex know he will split the rest with her... so his son pays 1/2, and your husbnad and the ex each pay 1/4 of the cost for a car.

His son needs to learn how to appreciate what he has and by having to pay for half of it he will appreciate it more.

Oh yeah, and don't give into their crap!

No teenager needs a car (especially a brand new one, and especially bought by the parents).

Your husband's ex-wife is manipulating the child and alienating your husband from his son. Essentially, she gets to tell the son "your dad won't buy you a new car, so it's his all fault". She is putting herself in a position where she never has to tell him "no" or establish limits. She is not parenting, she is babysitting (and clearly doing a poor job at even that).

Don't fall for it. Even if I were in a stable relationship, there's no way I would buy my teenager a car (especially a new one). He gets to earn the money to pay for it (as well as the insurance and gas), just like my parents made me do.