Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland
Paying for private school
My husband has a son from a previous relationship. His son's mother is considering a private school if she is not happy with public school after kindergarten. She has asked us how we will pay for this. The cost of private school is about equal to what the baby-sitter is currently paid. Will my husband and I be obligated to pay for (or help pay for) private school even if we feel that he can stay in public school? He is current on child support for his son.
Thank you.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Paying for private school
Your husband is not obligated to pay for private school unless the mother is able to convince a court that this is a necessary expenditure, and secures a modification of the existing child support order. The basic child support amount is essentially based upon the incomes of the parents. Child care expenses are an add-on and are probably a component of what your husband now pays. But private school tuition is not considered to be an add-on component for child support under MD law.