Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts
A judgement just came down regarding the parent's responsibility for our daughter's college. Each parent is responsibile for 50% of the college bill up to $7750 per year. The judgement states that the parents shall share the costs of extracurricular activities that occur on the bill. My daughter is on the cheerleading team and the fee for this id $380 per year although this does not appear on the bill, I plan on paying for this in good faith. My former wife is now asking that I pay for 1/2 the cost of her tennis shoes. Although this is not a minimal expense, I pay my former wife $36,000 annually in child support , and I believe that such items such as uniforms, clothing, and cheerleading shoes shoul be paid from the child support I provide. My former wife considers these items as "extracurricular activities", and that I should pay 50%. My interpretation of extracurricular activities is for example, the annual fee associated with cheerleading or any other activity, not for clothing or spending money for night clubs or going to see a movie, etc. My question is how does te court define "extracurricular activities" associated with college expenses anf fees?
2 Answers from Attorneys
I do not think the court would consider tennis shoes to be a cost of an extra-curricluar activity. Tennis lessons would be. Field Hockey uniform would be as would be her stick. But anything that is a normal part of a child's life, including tennis shoes or work out clothes is not going to be considered extra-curricular activities. Sweat pants, work-out jersey's I would not think a court would consider to be extra-curricular especially given you are payng $3,000 a month.
It does not mean her going to the movies, unless it is specifically part of a school outing. Extra-Curricular for College would be Cost of belonging to a college club, like Math Club, Participating in non-academic school activities, but not her cost of partying wiith her friends.
It is not clear. Part of such activities is the cost of the items to engage in these activities. One should not reflexively jump to conclusions about a definition. Is there anything else in the agreement that would shed light about this term.
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