WISCONSIN — The American Rescue plan is expected to be a lifeline for parents who will receive additional stimulus money for their children based on their previous year's tax returns. But in some households, it's causing a rift.

However, for co-parents who split custody arrangements where only one parent can claim the child and get the money, the stimulus can cause major disagreements.

Wauwatosa attorney Tarena Washington-Franklin says the pandemic has forced many parents to reach out to her for issues with stimulus payments, child placement changes, disagreements on health decisions, and other coronavirus-related problems. 

She says when it comes to much of it, there are no clear answers, laws, or rules in place. Instead, a judge will likely make a final decision.

"We encourage parents to work together to avoid fighting... because our judges are all over the place with these same issues as well," Washington-Franklin said.

Custody agreements that give one parent more placement, could mean they get to keep the entire stimulus payment. But, Washington-Franklin advises parents to try and work out problems before bringing them to court.

"It's just a lot of different scenarios based on the parties' understanding and what's in the best interest of the child," Washington-Franklin said. 

She said that if parents split arrangements, they should likely split the check. 

"You would think it would make sense to logically split the stimulus check, but logic does not always come into play in family court."

Washington-Franklin encourages families who are having more complex issues, to seek out a professional. She can be contacted at Washington-Franklin Law Offices.