If you you're a parent who has school-aged children, you'll soon be learning all about the rules of child support, such as what it does and what it does not cover. You and your spouse will have to hash out who will pay for doctor's visits, braces, the latest smartphone, and who's responsible for your child's extra-curricular activities.
Who pays for the extra-curricular activities? Extra-curricular activities are those that are voluntary and a child participates in them outside of their school's academic curriculum. They are often outside of and separate from school, and often include:
- Dance classes
- Soccer
- Competitive dance teams
- Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts
- Karate classes
- Art classes
- Vocal lessons
- Cheerleading
- Gymnastics
- Softball
- Swimming
- Horseback riding
- Music lessons
- Acting or modeling classes
Extra-curricular activities involve costs, some of which can be significant. However, most parents decide that the benefits outweigh the costs, especially when a child develops such an exceptional skill in the arts or sports that they earn a college scholarship.
When children participate in extra-curricular activities, their parents are usually responsible for all costs involved, which may include annual registration fees, monthly tuition, sports equipment, uniforms, and other fees, which can easily cost thousands per year.
Who pays for extra-curricular activities?
If your child is involved in costly extra-curricular activities, it's important that you know that child support does not cover those costs. Usually, divorcing parents decide who will be responsible for paying for their child's extra-curricular activities, and this agreement is outlined in their divorce agreement.
Typically, the parents agree to split these costs down the middle, but other arrangements can be made, for example, a higher-earning spouse can agree to pay these costs if they so desire.
If you have further questions about who pays for your child's education, medical, braces, and extra-curricular activities, reach out to a divorce lawyer for help!