Finding Solutions To Complex Issues

How do co-parents split the cost of a child’s sporting activities?

On Behalf of | Jun 2, 2021 | Child Support |

A sport like hockey is both very popular among children in Minnesota and very expensive for their parents. Paying for travel, gear, equipment, ice time and much more can make this a significant financial investment.

That said, sports are clearly important for children. Having hobbies, routines and a sense of stability can also help children as their parents get divorced. But, if you find yourself in this position, how do you decide who has to pay for all of those costs? Does your ex have to keep helping?

Child support can include sporting fees

The good news is that child support can include the cost of sports and entertainment. The court often considers this simply part of the child’s best interests. If you’re collecting support from your ex, you can legally use some of it to cover the costs of playing hockey. 

That said, this is certainly not all that the court considers. They’ll also look at your ex’s financial situation, including their income and other expenses. They are not going to force your ex to pay more than they can afford to help you with the cost of sports and other such activities.

One of the best things that you can do is to talk to your ex about the need for sports-related payments and to discuss how paying for sports is best for your child. When both parents put the child first, they can often come to an agreement about how to split these costs. 

What if you don’t see eye-to-eye with your co-parent about support issues?

Even so, financial issues are often complex and sometimes contentious for divorced parents. Be sure you know what options you have. When child support becomes an issue of dispute, it may be time to speak with an attorney.

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