Pool Membership = "Work Related Child Care"?

North Carolina Divorce Law Divorce and Separation Answers
1

Hello,

Is there any guideline or ruling that says exactly what qualifies as a work-related child care expense when calculating Child Support?

My ex has successfully argued that her payment of a pool membership is “work-related” child care costs since she leaves the kids alone at home in the summer. The kids are 14, 12, and 10. My ex says that the pool is a place the kids can go to hang out that is safe and close to home. The judge bought that argument. I said it was for entertainment only, and I don’t have a pool membership because of the expense. I pay for YMCA summer camps for the kids during my custodial weeks in the summer. You know, real child care.

Thanks!

2

If the custodial parent is working during the time the children are in someone else’s care and that time is paid for, it is considered work related child care.

3

It doesn’t sound like they’re in ANYONE’S care if they’re left home alone, and the pool is optional for them to show up to.