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When you're sharing custody of your child, everyday decisions suddenly become complex negotiations. One area that catches many parents off guard is paying for extracurricular activities. Whether it's ski lessons at Keystone, travel soccer fees, or robotics camp, these costs add up quickly. When parents live in separate households, figuring out who pays for what—and how much—can create tension and confusion.
If you're struggling to navigate extracurricular expenses in your parenting plan, don't wait until conflicts escalate. Contact Johnson Law Group today at (720) 744-3513 or reach out online to discuss your situation with a compassionate attorney who understands Colorado family law.
What Are Extracurricular Expenses?
Extracurricular expenses go beyond basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter. These are the "extras" that enrich your child's life but aren't included in regular child support payments. In Colorado, these costs fall into a category often called "extraordinary expenses."
Common extracurricular activities include:
- Sports programs (hockey, soccer, gymnastics, skiing, snowboarding)
- Arts and music lessons (piano, dance, theater)
- STEM programs (robotics clubs, coding camps, science competitions)
- Academic enrichment (tutoring, test prep, specialized learning programs)
- Summer camps and educational travel
Colorado courts recognize that these activities benefit children's development. However, parents need clear agreements about who pays for them and how much each parent contributes.
How Colorado Calculates Extraordinary Expenses
Colorado uses specific guidelines to determine how parents split extracurricular costs. Understanding these calculations helps you know what to expect and what's fair.
The Pro-Rata Approach
Most Colorado courts use a "pro-rata" calculation based on each parent's income. This means the parent who earns more pays a larger percentage of the expenses.
Here's how it works:
- Add both parents' gross monthly incomes together
- Divide each parent's income by the total to get their percentage
- Apply that percentage to the extracurricular expense
For example, if Parent A earns $5,000 monthly and Parent B earns $3,000 monthly, the total household income is $8,000. Parent A's share is 62.5% ($5,000 ÷ $8,000), and Parent B's share is 37.5% ($3,000 ÷ $8,000). If ski lessons cost $800, Parent A would pay $500 and Parent B would pay $300.
The 50/50 Split
Some parenting plans specify an equal 50/50 split regardless of income differences. This approach works when both parents earn similar amounts or when they've agreed this feels fairest for their situation. Courts may also order equal splits in certain circumstances.
Your family law attorney can help you understand which approach makes sense for your family.
Building a Strong Parenting Plan for Activity Costs
A well-written parenting plan prevents disputes before they start. When your agreement includes specific language about extracurricular expenses, both parents know their responsibilities upfront.
Essential Elements to Include
Your parenting plan should address these key points:
- Decision-making process: Does one parent decide alone, or do both parents need to agree before enrolling a child in an activity?
- Budget caps: Is there a yearly limit on total extracurricular spending or a per-activity maximum?
- Payment split: Will you use pro-rata based on income or a 50/50 division?
- Notice requirements: How much advance notice must one parent give before signing up the child?
- Payment deadlines: When is the non-enrolling parent expected to reimburse their share?
What Happens Without Clear Language
When parenting plans are vague about activity expenses, problems emerge quickly. One parent might sign up the child for expensive programs assuming the other will help pay. The other parent feels blindsided and refuses. The child gets caught in the middle, possibly missing out on activities they love.
Courts see these disputes frequently. Without clear terms in your parenting plan, you may need to return to court repeatedly to resolve each disagreement. This costs money, time, and emotional energy that could go toward your child instead.
When One Parent Refuses to Pay Their Share
Even with a solid parenting plan, enforcement issues can arise. If your co-parent isn't paying their portion of agreed-upon extracurricular costs, you have legal options.
Document Everything
Keep detailed records of all activity-related expenses:
- Registration receipts and payment confirmations
- Equipment purchases (skis, uniforms, musical instruments)
- Travel costs for competitions or tournaments
- Instructor or coach fees
- Facility or membership dues
Save all communications where you notified your co-parent about the expense and requested their share. Text messages, emails, and written notices create a paper trail you can present to the court if needed.
Enforcement Through the Courts
When informal requests fail, you may need court intervention. Colorado courts take parenting plan violations seriously. A child support attorney can help you file a motion for enforcement.
The court can order the non-paying parent to:
- Pay the overdue amount immediately
- Reimburse you for costs you covered alone
- Follow the parenting plan terms going forward
- Pay your attorney fees in some cases
Judges understand that extracurricular activities matter for children's growth and happiness. When one parent consistently refuses to honor their financial commitments, courts have tools to ensure compliance.
Common Questions About Activity Expenses
Do I Need My Co-Parent's Permission Before Enrolling My Child?
This depends entirely on your parenting plan language. Many plans require mutual agreement for activities above a certain cost threshold. Review your specific agreement or court orders. If you're unsure, consult with an attorney before committing to expensive programs.
What If My Financial Situation Has Changed?
Life circumstances shift. Job loss, medical expenses, or new family responsibilities can make previously affordable activities feel impossible. Colorado allows parents to request modifications when substantial changes occur. You can ask the court to adjust how activity expenses are divided based on current income levels.
Can Activity Costs Be Included in Child Support Calculations?
Standard child support calculations in Colorado don't automatically include extracurricular expenses. These costs are typically addressed separately in the parenting plan. However, during child support hearings, judges may consider overall household expenses when setting support amounts.
What If We Can't Agree on Which Activities to Choose?
Decision-making authority in your parenting plan determines who gets final say. Some families alternate years where each parent chooses activities. Others require agreement on any commitment exceeding a specific dollar amount. When parents genuinely cannot agree and the child's wellbeing is affected, courts can step in to make decisions.
Planning for Colorado's Unique Activity Landscape
Colorado offers incredible opportunities for children, from world-class skiing to innovative STEM programs. These benefits come with real costs that divorced or separated parents must navigate together.
Mountain activities like skiing and snowboarding represent a particular challenge. Season passes, equipment that children outgrow yearly, and travel to resorts create substantial expenses. Yet these activities provide physical exercise, confidence-building, and connections to Colorado's outdoor culture.
Similarly, competitive sports and advanced STEM programs require significant investment but offer tremendous developmental value. Your parenting plan should reflect your family's priorities while remaining realistic about what you can afford together.
Get Help Crafting or Enforcing Your Parenting Plan
Extracurricular expenses shouldn't become a battleground. With clear agreements and proper legal guidance, you can ensure your child participates in enriching activities without constant conflict.
Whether you're creating a new parenting plan, modifying an existing one, or enforcing payment obligations, Johnson Law Group is here to help families throughout Colorado Springs, Denver, Englewood, Commerce City, and Fort Collins. Our attorneys understand Colorado family law and work with compassion to protect your child's interests.
Don't let confusion about activity expenses prevent your child from thriving. Call Johnson Law Group at (720) 744-3513 or contact us online to schedule a consultation today.
