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What is an Extraordinary Expense?

When calculating child support, the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines allow for the consideration of "extraordinary expenses." What constitutes an extraordinary expense is the subject to some debate, so our child support attorneys wanted to provide some examples and explanations to help you better prepare and plan for support costs.

What Is an Extraordinary Expense?

First, let's consider what an extraordinary expense is. There isn't a hard rule defining extraordinary expenses with child support in North Carolina, though they are generally any cost that improves the wellbeing of the child.

Private Education or Tutoring

With regard to private school education, you must determine whether that type of education is necessary to meet your particular child’s educational needs. Evidence of any issues that are being addressed at the private school versus what would be available at the public school your child would otherwise attend. The argument by the party not wanting this to be considered in the child support calculation would be that private school education is not necessary, so evidence that it is essential to your child’s particular medical need is important.

Travel Expenses Between Parents

Expenses for transporting the children between parent’s homes can be critical in cases where there is a significant difference between the parent’s homes. Evidence of the actual cost will be important to justify the court to take these expenses into consideration (statements showing airline charges or gasoline charges would be helpful as an example.)

Do keep in mind that, regardless of the actual expenses, the court would still need to determine that taking these expenses into consideration would be necessary, reasonable, and in the child’s best interests.

Therapy and Counseling

If the child is struggling with emotional distress or mental health concerns, therapy and counseling may be a necessity for their well-being. If insurance doesn't pay, the costs may be considered an extraordinary expense.

Extracurricular Expenses

Particularly for children who show a gift for a certain activity or it proves beneficial to them, lessons or costs related to extracurricular activities like sports, music, or art may be included.

Consult With a Child Support Attorney in Raleigh Today

To get personalized guidance about whether or not there are extraordinary expenses related to your child support case, schedule a consultation with our experienced child support attorneys in Raleigh. Call us today at [phone], or fill out the form below to get started.

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