Legal Question in Family Law in Virginia

If I pay extracurricular expenses for my daughter, can I deduct them from my chi

I have a nine year old daughter that lives with my ex-wife in Chesterfield County, VA. I live in Hanover County, VA. We share joint legal custody. I see her on alternating weekends and once during the week. My child support was originally based on the necessity of child care during the week. But for over 4 years now my daughter hasn't required child care and comes home after school. I think it is necessary for a child to have extracurricular activities so they can try different activities and learn social skills otherwise not taught in routine environments. For example, my step son plays organized sports of some kind all year. My daughter, however, is always "promised" that she will be enrolled in either soccer, softball, or cheerleading only to be disappointed when her mom tells her that they "missed the deadline". I want to pay for her enrollment in a soccer league and deduct it from the child support I give to her mother. Can I do this legally?


Asked on 2/10/00, 9:15 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Monica Chernin Monica J. Chernin

Re: If I pay extracurricular expenses for my daughter, can I deduct them from my

If you are under a court order to pay child support you must pay in accordance with the order. If you deduct monies that you expend on behalf of the child, you will be making non-comforming payments and will be in arrears. If you are paying for day care expenses and there are no longer day care expenses, you may wish to have your support reviewed and amended. You might make these changes with your ex-wife by agreement, as well. If you wish a more detailed explanation about the child support calculations, you may contact me to set up an appointment. Monica Chernin, Culpeper, Va.

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Answered on 2/10/00, 8:45 pm


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