When a child’s parents divorce, the courts may issue orders for child support. This is meant to secure the child’s welfare and help maintain their standard of living similar to what they experienced before the divorce.
While child support is typically paid by one parent to the other parent who has primary custody, there may be specified costs that both parents are required to share. These may include the following.
Reasonable healthcare needs
The court, in addition to ordering basic child support, may require both parents to share the costs of the child’s medical expenses not covered under the main health insurance. This often includes deductibles, copayments and any uncovered necessary medical expenses. The split is typically proportional to each parent’s income.
Special needs and educational expenses
Special needs and educational expenses are another category of shared costs that may be ordered by the court. These can include costs for special education programs, tutoring, school supplies, uniforms, extracurricular activities and in some cases, private school tuition or future college expenses. The court considers the child’s specific needs and both parents’ ability to contribute when determining how these costs should be shared.
Travel expenses for visitation
Travel expenses related to visitation can also be subject to cost-sharing arrangements. When parents live far apart, the court may order them to share the transportation costs necessary for the child to spend time with both parents. This might include airfare, gas, lodging and other related travel expenses. The allocation of these costs often depends on the distance involved and each parent’s financial circumstances.
Childcare expenses
Reasonable childcare expenses necessary for a parent to maintain employment or pursue education are frequently included in shared costs. This can cover daycare, after-school care or babysitting expenses that enable the custodial parent to work or attend school. The court typically considers these expenses essential for the child’s well-being since they allow the parent to maintain or improve their ability to provide for the child.
If you need help understanding how child support and shared expenses are calculated, seeking legal guidance can clarify your rights and obligations.