McKinley, Conger, Jolley & Galarneau, LLP

The AV-rated Stockton divorce attorneys at McKinley, Conger, Jolley & Galarneau, LLP have been guiding clients through every step of the divorce process since 1986. Our firm is well-equipped to represent and support you when dealing with family law matters at any level of conflict, including negotiating parental rights, visitation, child support, and more. This includes recognizing the complexities of special needs cases, and helping parents come to an agreement regarding special needs support and expenses .

Extraordinary and Special Expenses – What Are They? A Stockton Child Support Lawyer Explains

Extraordinary and special expenses are those that do not fall within the realm of normal expenses that are necessary to meet a child’s basic everyday needs, such as clothes, food, routine medical/dental care, health insurance and transportation costs.

Expenses that extend beyond those typical areas are generally considered extraordinary or special under California law. Such expenses may include the following:

• Tutoring for a child who needs additional help for particular classes
• Treatment for a disease or prolonged illness
• Extracurricular activities at school (or after school)
• Counseling for mental health or psychological issues
• Sports and other activities that require travel
• Private school education/tuition

Note that in the same way the determination of these special expenses would be considered for the benefit of the child, our Stockton child support lawyer knows that the parents’ respective burdens would also be considered. For instance, if a parent were dealing with his or her own illness such that the child’s expenses would negatively impact them, the court would have to consider that and lower the total child support paid by that parent accordingly.