I already have a consent order in place that outlines child support (which includes daycare for my youngest). My consent order states that additional work-related child care for my youngest child is to be split 50/50. However, my ex has taken a new job and now my oldest child is in need of before/after school care on my ex’s days. My consent order does not address payment for work-related childcare for my oldest, only for my youngest.
Am I responsible for this cost even though I do not need the before/after school care?
If so, is this to be split 50/50?
Our consent order is less than a year old, so I am assuming child support cannot be modified for another 3 years. Additionally, I have offered to provide before/after school care on my ex’s days but they refused. Thanks.
No, you are not responsible for the extra cost if it is not in the order.
I know that had my oldest needed before/after school care prior to the consent order that I would have been held responsible for part of the cost.
Is it because of the nature of consent orders that now I am not liable? So, my ex would have to go through arbitration to get it appealed or wait for the 3 year limit on the child support to get a modification?
Sorry for the additional questions, I want to fully understand why I am now no longer held for the cost when previously I would have been.
You are not ordered to pay the cost per the current order, which is not ripe for modification. The reason is that there are small changes in everyone’s lives day to day, and the court cannot accommodate modifications for support that occur from month to month and sometimes even day to day. That being said, if you are able to contribute to this extra cost I am sure it would go a long way in helping to foster a better co-parenting relationship with your ex.
Thanks for the clarification.
I am not objecting to helping out, but I have a sneaking suspicion my ex is going to try and get me to carry most of the burden even though I am not in need of this service.