Thanks a million to everyone...could use your help again

R

RLS

New member
Hey everyone,

For those of you followed Dad's situation with the NET costs of childcare expenses, maybe you remember that Mom for the longest time insisted that he was wrong, being cheap and not taking care of his responsibilities...well,...Dad received an email from Mom stating that she now understands. Leapin' Jesus! She understands!

It took some time, but that can now be put to rest. Thank you to all, we couldn't have done it without all of your help.

I wish I could sign off on that note, but...:o

Mom emailed some time ago that she was registering D7 into gymnastics. It was a 12wk program that would run $120. After reading numerous postings on here and other sites, Dad concluded that after taking their incomes into account, among other factors, the $120 should be included in the table support.

After an outrageous number of harassing emails, Dad has chosen to wave the white flag and contribute further to this expense.

We did some research in D7's area and found there are 3 places in which D7 can register for gymnastics.

1) YMCA - D7 can register for a 3 month gymnastics program, PLUS an aquatic program of her choice. Total cost for the two programs together = $90

2) The other 12 week gymnastics program first mentioned,
cost $120 + $30 registration, for total of $150

Now Mom has emailed that she has decided on an option 3...

3) 15 week program, at a cost of $245 + registration fee $30, for total of $275

Now mind you, little one is 7 and has never taken gymnastics before.
Is it wrong of us to think this is being unreasonable? What is wrong with either of the two other options? She's 7! Should D7 take a liking to gymnastics after a program or two and decide she wants to stick with it, maybe then, sign her up at the other club that's geared more towards competing. She's also expressed an interest in soccer and swimming lessons. Why not the shorter program at a lesser fee until we see if she even likes it?

Would it be wrong in your opinions for Dad to email Mom that he's willing to further contribute $65/$70 (half of option 1 or 2) towards gymnastics, but should she choose to select option 3, she will be responsible for the rest of the fee?

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this one. How do you suggest we respond? Maybe someone has another way of looking at it?


Thank you in advance.
 
It is highly unlikely that the extra sport program would be included in the table child support.
As long as she has sole custody she decides what program she enrolls d7, the non-custodial parent's only option is to pay.
Of course offering a fair proportion of the first two programs is completely fine.
 
I disagree BitHunter.. depending on the incomes of the parents, all three of those options may not be considered S7.

That being said, there have been many threads/posts on topics like this. I believe the consensus has been that unless the child is gifted in a certain activity and it is in their best interest to participate in the high cost activity, "house league" costs are what is reasonable. Dad agreeing to pay for half of Option 1 or Option 2, is very reasonable.

Dad will be digging his own grave if he keeps waving that white flag every time she says jump.
 
For sports, I would look at if they are talented enough, and there scholarships availble for that sport for post-secondary.

It doesn't matter if that is their intention or not, and intentions can change, but that would be my starting place.

If they have the talent and there are scholarships, then that would frame my argument for including the cost a section 7.

If they are not talented enough, or there are no scholarships available, then that would frame my argument for not including, and I would require the other party to construct a rational, fact-supported argument as to why it should.

That the child enjoys the sport wouldn't be quite enough. If they might have an offer to coach, teach, or otherwise apply the skills in the future, that would be another reason why.

Look for reasons.
 
Thanks for the input!

Mom's saying the reason she's choosing third option is because it's the only option that works with her schedule. I call "BS." Anyhoo...

I think Dad will be offering to further contribute to either option 1 or 2. I'm guessing should Mom choose an option of greater expense, I think Dad's going to tell her she'll be responsible for the difference. I personally think that's reasonable, too.

Thanks again for chiming in.
 
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