Modification of Support to Include Child Care and Medical Costs

[etoy]

My question involves child support in the State of: CA

In March 2010, the court ordered the father to pay monthly support excluding child care and medical/dental expenses. At the time I was unemployed and daughter was insured via Medi-Cal.

I am now employed full-time and incurring aforementioned expenses. I have filed a motion to modify existing order to include child care and medical/dental expenses not covered by health providers. Is father obligated to pay his fair share for anything else such as school-related expenses (uniforms, lunches, field trips, supplies, school portraits, etc.), academic tutoring, extracurricular activities (softball and equipment, music lessons, arts program, foreign language classes), etc.?

Additionally, my employer deducts $333.00 monthly pretax to include daughter in my health plan ($107 self; $440 self & 1 dependent). Is it reasonable for me to ask the judge to order father to pay half of $333.00 at $166.50 per month? Father is self-employed and unable to provide health coverage.

Please advise. Thanks!

[STATcom]

It certainly sounds reasonable to me, however, whether or not it'll actually be granted is up to the family court judge. You can definitely make a request for modification of child support payments, but it might not be granted because the amount you ex is paying now should've already been a fully contemplation of support costs for your child. You would have to show that new circumstances warrant the increased support.

[etoy]

In March 2010, father (NCP) was ordered to pay $288.00 monthly and half of childcare expenses incurred as a result of attending job interviews only. I was unemployed at the time; therefore, there was no childcare expenses and medical/dental expenses were covered via Medi-Cal.

My request for modification needs to be very specific. If not, the court and NCP will allow me to continue absorbing 100% of all expenses. Does anyone know what NCPs' specific expense obligations (childcare, health, education, etc.) are under California's family laws?

Thanks!