Child Care Expenses

Child Care Expenses

The parties may be ordered to share the cost of work-related childcare necessary for children up to the start of the school year immediately following the 12th birthday. Work related means; expenses that allow the parent to look for employment, retain paid employment or be enrolled in an educational program which will improve employment opportunities.

If childcare has not been regularly used in the past, the support order is likely to identify the percentage contribution required of each parent. The custodian will pay the entire amount that will equal the income tax credit received for this expense, and percentage sharing will apply to the balance. The Friend of the Court will enforce childcare in the same manner as support.

It is the policy of the Friend of the Court that a child care service should be provided by a licensed provider when seeking assistance from this office for collection reimbursement. However, the parties may consent to utilizing an unlicensed childcare provider either through their Judgment of Divorce or a Consent Order.