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Does child support cover tutor fees and extracurricular activities?

Does child support cover tutor fees and extracurricular activities?

Full question:

Does child support include tutor fees and extra activities after school?

Category: Divorce
Subcategory: Child Support
Date: 04/07/2025
State: California

Answer:

In California, child support is intended to cover reasonable and necessary expenses for minor children. The state has established guidelines for determining the presumptive amount of child support. If a deviation from these guidelines is sought, the court must provide written justification, including:

The guideline amount that would have been ordered;
The reasons for the deviation;
Why the ordered support is in the child's best interests.

Generally, child support covers basic needs but does not include entertainment-related expenses, which typically encompass extracurricular activities. Therefore, the non-custodial parent is usually not obligated to pay for these costs. However, if the parents have sufficient financial resources, a court may require the non-custodial parent to contribute to the child's extracurricular activities. In cases where financial resources are limited, such expenses may be considered part of the basic child support award.

Courts evaluate requests for additional child support on a case-by-case basis, often considering the non-custodial parent's income. A higher-income parent is more likely to be ordered to pay for additional expenses, while a parent struggling with living costs may have those expenses covered by the basic support award.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

What do extraordinary expenses mean in child support?

Extraordinary expenses in child support refer to costs that exceed typical child-rearing expenses. These may include significant medical expenses, educational costs like private school tuition, or specialized therapy. Courts may consider these expenses when determining child support obligations, especially if the non-custodial parent has the financial means to contribute. It's essential for parents to document these costs and present them to the court for consideration.

What are considered extracurricular activities for child support?

Extracurricular activities for child support typically include sports, music lessons, art classes, and other non-academic pursuits that enhance a child's development. While these activities are beneficial, they are generally viewed as entertainment-related expenses and may not be covered by standard child support. However, if parents have sufficient income, a court may require contributions to these costs.

What are extraordinary expenses in child support?

Extraordinary expenses in child support are costs that go beyond standard living expenses necessary for a child's upbringing. These can include medical bills, private school tuition, and other significant costs. Courts evaluate these expenses based on the child's needs and the parents' financial capabilities. If a parent can afford to help with these expenses, the court may order them to contribute.

Are cell phone bills included in child support?

Cell phone bills are generally not included in standard child support calculations. Child support primarily covers basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing. However, if a child's cell phone is deemed necessary for their safety or communication, a court may consider this expense when determining additional support obligations, especially if the non-custodial parent has the financial means to contribute.

What are child care expenses for child support?

Child care expenses for child support refer to costs incurred for the care of a child while a parent is working or attending school. This can include daycare, after-school programs, and babysitting services. These expenses may be factored into child support calculations, especially if they are necessary for the custodial parent to maintain employment or education. Courts often consider these costs when determining support obligations.