Does Child Support Cover Your Kid’s Extracurricular Activities in SC?

When it comes to child support in South Carolina, parents often wonder what exactly is supposed to be covered. One common area of confusion is whether child support includes extracurricular activities. Let’s dive into this topic and find out what child support covers, what happens if your extracurricular costs fall disproportionately on you, and what your legal options are.

Understanding Child Support in SC

In South Carolina, child support plays a pivotal role in the well-being of children. Determining child support in this state involves a detailed calculation that takes into account the financial means of both parents, the number of children in the family, and any special needs a child might have.

The calculator gives a basic starting figure, which takes into account health insurance payments for the child, work-related childcare expenses, and other children in the household or for whom separate child support is paid. You should also consider who lists the child in their tax return, as the child tax credit does come into play.

Does Child Support in SC Cover Extracurricular Activities?

Figuring out child support in South Carolina can lead to several questions, particularly when it comes to the cost of extracurricular activities in support payments. Understanding the specifics can clear up any confusion and help you plan for your child’s needs effectively.

In South Carolina, the primary aim of child support is to ensure that basic necessities such as housing, food, and medical care are met. Given this focus, the direct inclusion of extracurricular activities within child support calculations isn’t always guaranteed. However, this doesn’t mean they’re always excluded. 

This is a bit of a gray area, and it’s important to think about it before you agree on a child support amount. This is particularly important for parents of infants and toddlers; at this age, you may not yet be thinking about extracurricular activities and the costs that come with them. However, as the parent of any older child will tell you, these activities can quickly eat into your budget.

That’s why you should discuss this concern with your co-parent and/or your attorney as you navigate your child support case. Try to come at it from the point of view that you are both on the same side—you both want your child to thrive and succeed in life, and that means giving them the chance to explore their passions and interests. You may want to agree on a set percentage that both parents contribute to extracurricular activities, with any costs exceeding that amount to require approval from both parties.

How to Handle Extracurricular Expenses Not Covered by Child Support

If you find that your child’s extracurricular activities aren’t covered by your child support agreement, there are options. A collaborative approach with the other parent is often the most straightforward method. Engage in an open dialogue aiming to establish a mutually beneficial arrangement for sharing these costs. This could look like a proportional division based on income or an agreed-upon fixed amount each party contributes. If informal negotiations fail, you always have the option of connecting with your child support attorney to find out if a modification may be possible for you.

Ideally, you’ll handle these issues before you commit financially to any high-cost extracurricular activities. It’s important to note that whoever signs the contract, in this case, is ultimately responsible for the costs; sports teams, dance programs, and other extracurricular providers aren’t in the business of chasing down co-parents to get half of what they are owed, so you should be on the same page before signing anything. 

Approaching this situation requires flexibility, creativity, and a commitment to prioritizing your child’s growth. By exploring all available options and working collaboratively with the other parent, you can find a solution that ensures your child continues to benefit from enriching extracurricular experiences. And when you can’t see a way forward, you can always connect with the team at Nowell Law Firm to discuss your options.

Learn More About Your Child Support Options

If a child support modification is in your future, it’s time to reach out to the team at Nowell Law Firm. Give us a call at 864-707-1785 or fill out our online contact form to set up a consultation with our team of experienced family law attorneys.