What exactly are extracurricular activities that I have to pay for my Child?
Full Question:
What exactly are "extracurricular activities?" We are not sure how to differieniate between some things. Does the day of the week matter that the activity takes place and who sponsors it? Are special clubs considered extracurricular if they meet on Saturdays? Is a Summer camp considered extracurricular? My son plays on a travel hockey league that I pay 75% of and his mother pays 25%. The same for my daughter who does this outside of school to which I also pay 75%. In my divorce decree this 75% is supposed to cover "extracurricular activities." When I look up the legal definition it only applies to school sanctioned clubs and activities. Are Recreation and outside activities the same thing? Should I be paying for all of that? It is becoming an issue because my exwife enrolled my son in a travel league again this year which costs about $6000.00 total and now wants another $500.00 from me for an additional hockey club through the school. I was not conferred with and she gets to make the final decision and I get the bills. I just need a specific definition and what my obligation to pay is.
Thanks.
10/29/2016 |
Category: Divorce ยป Child Support |
State: Georgia |
#25868
Answer:
In Georgia special expenses that the Courts consider "include, but are not limited to, summer camp; music or art lessons; travel; school sponsored extracurricular activities, such as band, clubs, and athletics; and other activities intended to enhance the athletic, social, or cultural development of a child..."
However, may want to look at your divorce documents and talk to your lawyer. One law firm in Georgia publishes this on their website.
The Georgia Supreme Court agreed, stating that “[t]he language of OCGA § 19-6-15 (i) (2) (J) (ii) makes clear that a portion of the basic child support obligation is intended to cover average amounts of special expenses for raising children, including the cost of extracurricular activities.” Id. The Court referred further to the child support statute, clarifying that if the trial court determines that the full amount of special expenses (which includes extracurricular activities) exceeds 7% of the basic child support obligation, the additional amount must be considered a deviation addressed on Schedule E of the Child Support Worksheets with specific findings as to why such deviation is necessary. Id. The Georgia Supreme Court stated that the way the trial court handled extracurricular activities, by including an additional provision in the final judgment and decree of divorce apportioning them, was improper under the current child support guidelines.
See http://mtlawoffice.com/news/child-support-and-extracurricular-activities