Divorcing with kids? You probably already know child support will be a factor—but what about all those extra costs that come up during the school year? Things like soccer fees, piano lessons, field trips, or even prom dresses?
In New Hampshire, the answer isn’t always black and white. But let’s walk through what the law says—and how parents typically handle it.
Child Support Covers Basic Needs—Not Extras
Child support in New Hampshire is designed to cover a child’s basic needs: housing, food, clothing, transportation, and general medical care. These are the essentials.
But when it comes to extracurriculars, tutoring, camps, and other “extra” costs, the standard child support calculation doesn’t always account for them.
So, who pays?
It Depends on Your Agreement or Court Order
If you and your ex negotiated a parenting plan or settlement agreement during your divorce, take a look at what it says. Many parents choose to include a clause that outlines how these expenses will be split. For example:
Each parent pays 50% of agreed-upon extracurriculars.
One parent pays for sports; the other covers music lessons.
Each parent contributes proportionally based on income.
The court generally honors whatever arrangement you and your ex agreed to—as long as it’s in the child’s best interest.
What If There’s No Agreement?
If your divorce decree is silent on extracurriculars, things get more complicated. One parent may end up shouldering the cost—or disagreements may arise about whether the expense is necessary at all.
In that case, you can:
Try to work it out informally with your ex.
Request a modification of your court order to address the issue.
Go to court and ask a judge to weigh in.
The court will always prioritize the best interests of the child. If an activity is clearly beneficial (like tutoring for a struggling student), the judge may be more likely to order shared responsibility.
Other Big Expenses: Who Pays?
Let’s talk about some other common costs that fall into this “gray area”:
Medical bills not covered by insurance – Usually split based on the court order or agreement.
College tuition – In New Hampshire, courts cannot force parents to pay for college unless both parties agree in writing.
Summer camp or childcare – May be addressed in child support or parenting time discussions.
Again, the key is what’s written in your divorce documents. If it’s not covered, it’s worth revisiting with your attorney.
How to Avoid Fights Over Money
Even after divorce, co-parenting often means making joint decisions—especially about money. Here are some tips to make it easier:
Put everything in writing. Even a simple text agreement helps prevent confusion.
Stay child-focused. Ask what’s best for your child, not what’s fair for you.
Be proactive. Don’t spring expenses on your ex last-minute.
Consider mediation if you can’t agree.
Big expenses don’t end when the divorce is finalized—and unfortunately, neither do the financial questions. If you’re running into roadblocks or feeling unsure about who pays for what, don’t wait until it becomes a fight.
Our family law team has helped hundreds of New Hampshire parents navigate post-divorce expenses. Whether you’re renegotiating an agreement or just need help interpreting your current one, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.