Does Child Support in California Cover Extracurricular Activities?

If you have children, then you already know how expensive they are. There is so much that you need to financially provide for. Even if you just cover the necessities like food, clothing, shelter, medical care, and schooling fees, you’re already spending a fortune.

There are many other expenses that come with having children. You most likely will be paying for family trips, toys, gifts, and activities. These expenses add up quickly, but it’s all part of having children.

If you are the custodial parent or you are paying child support, you may find yourself asking this question: Does child support in California cover extracurricular activities?

What Does Child Support Cover in California?

When calculating the amount that needs to be paid for child support each month, California family courts use a very specific guideline. They focus on both parents’ income, how much time the child spends with each parent, healthcare costs, education costs, traveling expenses, and other expenses the children have.

The court does not specifically order child support for the payment of extracurricular activities; these are not necessities for the child. However, the custodial parent can use child support payments for such activities.

The court won’t necessarily factor those expenses into the child support payments unless those activities can be shown to be necessary for the child’s growth and development.

Call a Rancho Cucamonga Child Support Attorney

Now you know a little more about whether child support in California covers extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activity expenses aren’t usually added to calculations for child support payments. However, the money received for child support can be put toward extracurricular activities if the parent receiving the support feels it’s appropriate.

Do you need help with a child support case? Contact the Law Office of Laurence J. Brock by dialing 909-466-7661 or filling out the form below.