When you’re budgeting for life after divorce, understanding what child support actually covers is essential—especially when it comes to costly extracurriculars like sports, arts, or private lessons. In Georgia, child support is generally intended to help cover these kinds of expenses, but there are important exceptions and nuances that every parent should understand.
What the Georgia Child Support Guidelines Include
Georgia’s child support laws are based on an “income shares” model, which means both parents’ incomes are considered when calculating the total support obligation. The legislature assumed that part of that child support payment would help pay for the child’s extracurricular activities—like soccer fees, music lessons, or drama club dues.
This means that, in most cases, child support is presumed to contribute toward the cost of ordinary extracurricular expenses.
What the Courts Say: A Key Georgia Case
A notable Georgia appellate case clarified that courts should not generally require a parent to pay child support and an additional fixed portion of extracurricular expenses unless certain legal thresholds are met. In that case, a father had been ordered to pay both child support and two-thirds of the children’s extracurricular costs. He appealed—and won—because extracurriculars are already factored into standard child support calculations.
This precedent matters because it underscores the principle that judges must stick to the statutory formula unless specific exceptions apply.
When Additional Extracurricular Payments May Be Required
Despite this baseline rule, there are some scenarios where extra payments for extracurricular activities may be warranted. Georgia law allows for additional “special expenses” to be shared between the parents when:
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The special expenses exceed 7% of the basic child support amount.
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The expenses are deemed necessary and in the child’s best interests.
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There is sufficient evidence to support their inclusion.
These special expenses can include travel sports, elite training programs, private coaching, or other high-cost activities that go beyond the norm.
Settlement Agreements vs. Court Orders
Parents always have the flexibility to reach their own agreements in a settlement—even if those terms go beyond what a judge might order. For example, one parent might agree to reimburse the other for half of travel baseball costs, or cover all costs of a dance program, in addition to paying child support. As long as the agreement is voluntary and clearly outlined in the settlement, it can be enforceable.
However, if a judge imposes such terms without meeting the legal standard, it may be grounds for appeal or modification. That’s why it’s important to work with a knowledgeable attorney when drafting or reviewing child support agreements.
Our team can help you protect your financial interests and your child’s needs through our child support services.
Jeanette Soltys, J.D., is a distinguished Georgia divorce attorney and a leading authority in alternative dispute resolution techniques such as amicable divorce. She obtained her Juris Doctor from Wake Forest University School of Law and is admitted to the bar in the state of Georgia. Additionally, she is a Certified Amicable Divorce Professional (CADP).