There's a mistaken belief among a lot of newly divorced parents that child support is only supposed to cover the basics that a child needs -- which means those parents could be in for a seriously unpleasant surprise when their ex-spouse asks the court to order a temporary increase in support to pay for summer camp (or something similar) this year.
They may be even more unpleasantly surprised when the judge grants the order.
However, if the court determines that you can afford the increase, and the extracurricular activity that your ex-spouse wants your child to have is something that the court thinks is justified, that's exactly what's likely to happen. For example, if your child travels playing a competitive sport like baseball, softball, or soccer, there is a chance to include the costs, fees, uniforms, gear, gas, and seemingly endless hotel rooms as special expenses.
UnderTennessee’s child support guidelines, the court may order a deviation from the standard support order so that the child can receive certain extraordinary or special expenses:
• Special Education, Including Room and Board, Tuition and Other Fees
• Summer Camp
• Music or Art Lessons
• Band Camp
• Athletic Camps
In determining whether or not the deviation from the normal child support payment is warranted, the expense has to exceed 7% of the basic child support order. The court also looks to see if the activity or educational opportunity would have been appropriate to the child's lifestyle if the parents were still together.
If you truly can't afford the expense, the court won't deprive you of the money you need to cover your rent, utilities and other living costs -- but it may not leave you with much left over. For that reason alone, it might be worthwhile trying to work with your ex-spouse on an amount you can contribute more easily, without getting the court involved.
If You Have Questions Please Feel Free To Contact Our Office.
Ryan K McFarland • attorneymcfarland@gmail.com •1 (931) 919-4376
They may be even more unpleasantly surprised when the judge grants the order.
However, if the court determines that you can afford the increase, and the extracurricular activity that your ex-spouse wants your child to have is something that the court thinks is justified, that's exactly what's likely to happen. For example, if your child travels playing a competitive sport like baseball, softball, or soccer, there is a chance to include the costs, fees, uniforms, gear, gas, and seemingly endless hotel rooms as special expenses.
UnderTennessee’s child support guidelines, the court may order a deviation from the standard support order so that the child can receive certain extraordinary or special expenses:
• Special Education, Including Room and Board, Tuition and Other Fees
• Summer Camp
• Music or Art Lessons
• Band Camp
• Athletic Camps
In determining whether or not the deviation from the normal child support payment is warranted, the expense has to exceed 7% of the basic child support order. The court also looks to see if the activity or educational opportunity would have been appropriate to the child's lifestyle if the parents were still together.
If you truly can't afford the expense, the court won't deprive you of the money you need to cover your rent, utilities and other living costs -- but it may not leave you with much left over. For that reason alone, it might be worthwhile trying to work with your ex-spouse on an amount you can contribute more easily, without getting the court involved.
If You Have Questions Please Feel Free To Contact Our Office.
Ryan K McFarland • attorneymcfarland@gmail.com •1 (931) 919-4376