Legal Question in Family Law in Minnesota

Who should pay for a child's band trip if the coulpe is divorced?

I have been divorced for 9 years now and at the time I gave my ex sole physical custody. I pay him child support. Well just this year, after paying extra money every month for this or that, I asked him to go get a COLA for me, instead of hounding me for more money. The main question I have is: If my daughther wants to partake in a band trip to NY and the cost per student is $980, and I know they are going to try to hit me up to help. How much should I have to pay to help since I do pay $450 a month for 2 kids.

Thank you.

Teresa


Asked on 11/13/07, 4:21 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Scott Timm Scott R. Timm Law Office

Re: Who should pay for a child's band trip if the coulpe is divorced?

Unless your divorce decree provides otherwise, you have no legal obligation to pay any of the children's expenses. In theory, your spouse is to pay all of their expenses, and your child support payment is your only required contribution. In practice, the parent in your position could be denigrated by the other parent saying, "Sorry kids, you can't go on the NY band trip because your mother won't help pay!" So often times parents in your position will pay to avoid devastating the children. That is not very fair, but it is often what happens.

Read more
Answered on 11/13/07, 4:36 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody and Adoption questions and answers in Minnesota