Under Louisiana law, extracurricular activity costs are not automatically included in basic child support but can be added as extraordinary expenses under La. R.S. 9:315.6. When a court orders extracurricular activities child support Louisiana parents must share these costs proportionally based on each parent's percentage of combined adjusted gross income. If one parent earns 60% of the combined income, that parent pays 60% of approved extracurricular expenses. Louisiana courts require that activities enhance the child's health, athletic, social, or cultural development before ordering cost-sharing.
| Key Facts | Louisiana Law |
|---|---|
| Governing Statute | La. R.S. 9:315.6 |
| Cost Division Method | Proportional to income percentage |
| Filing Fee | $200-$410 depending on parish (as of April 2026) |
| Residency Requirement | 6 months domicile in Louisiana |
| Separation Period | 180 days (no children) or 365 days (with children) |
| Child Support Model | Income Shares Model |
| Combined Income Cap | $40,000/month for guidelines |
| Support Duration | Until age 18 (or 19 if full-time secondary student) |
What Louisiana Law Says About Extracurricular Activity Expenses
Louisiana courts may order parents to share extracurricular activity costs as add-on expenses to basic child support under La. R.S. 9:315.6, which authorizes extraordinary expenses that enhance a child's health, athletic, social, or cultural development. The statute specifically lists camp, music lessons, art lessons, travel, and school-sponsored extracurricular activities as qualifying expenses. Parents divide these costs proportionally based on their share of combined adjusted gross income, meaning a parent earning 55% of combined income pays 55% of approved activity costs. Basic child support covers food, housing, education, and clothing but does not automatically include extracurricular activities, private health insurance, or special developmental programs.
The exact language of La. R.S. 9:315.6 permits courts to add extraordinary expenses by agreement of the parties or by court order. This means parents can voluntarily agree to share activity costs in their custody agreement, or either parent can petition the court to include specific activities in the child support order. Courts retain discretion to determine which activities qualify and at what level of participation.
How Louisiana Calculates Each Parent's Share of Activity Costs
Louisiana uses the Income Shares Model under La. R.S. 9:315 to determine each parent's proportional responsibility for child-related expenses including extracurricular activities. The calculation requires adding both parents' adjusted monthly gross incomes together, then determining what percentage each parent contributes to that total. A parent earning $4,000 monthly when combined income totals $7,000 has a 57% share and pays 57% of approved extraordinary expenses. The non-custodial parent typically makes the support payment, but both parents share proportional responsibility for add-on expenses.
Sample Calculation for Activity Costs
| Parent | Monthly Income | Percentage Share | Annual Soccer Cost ($1,200) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent A | $5,000 | 62.5% | $750/year |
| Parent B | $3,000 | 37.5% | $450/year |
| Combined | $8,000 | 100% | $1,200 total |
This proportional division applies to all court-ordered extraordinary expenses under Louisiana law. The same percentage used for basic child support calculations applies to add-on expenses for activities, private school tuition, and uninsured medical costs. Courts enter this percentage on Line 5d of the Louisiana Child Support Worksheet A under La. R.S. 9:315.20.
Types of Extracurricular Activities Courts May Order Parents to Share
Louisiana courts authorize cost-sharing for activities that enhance a child's developmental well-being rather than activities considered luxuries or entertainment under the standard set forth in La. R.S. 9:315.6. Athletic activities including organized sports leagues, travel teams, and individual sports instruction qualify when they promote physical health and social development. Cultural development activities such as music lessons, dance instruction, art classes, and theater programs typically qualify as extraordinary expenses that courts may order parents to share.
Commonly Approved Activities
- Youth sports leagues (baseball, soccer, basketball, football): $200-$800 per season
- Travel team participation: $1,500-$5,000 annually including tournament fees
- Music lessons and instrument rental: $100-$300 monthly
- Dance instruction and recital fees: $150-$400 monthly
- Summer camps (day camps and overnight): $300-$3,000 per session
- School-sponsored extracurriculars: $50-$500 per activity
- Tutoring and academic enrichment: $50-$150 per hour
- Martial arts instruction: $100-$200 monthly
Activities That May Not Qualify
Courts distinguish between developmental activities and entertainment or luxury experiences. Vacation travel, birthday parties, gifts, recreational outings, and non-educational entertainment typically do not qualify as extraordinary expenses under Louisiana law. The basic child support obligation covers general recreational activities, so parents seeking reimbursement for activity costs must demonstrate the activity enhances the child's health, athletic, social, or cultural development beyond ordinary recreation.
When Courts Order Extracurricular Cost-Sharing vs. When Parents Agree
Louisiana parents can establish extracurricular activity cost-sharing arrangements through voluntary agreement or court order under La. R.S. 9:315.6, with each pathway offering different benefits and limitations. Voluntary agreements allow parents flexibility to define which activities qualify, set spending limits, establish approval processes, and modify arrangements without returning to court. Court orders provide enforceability through contempt proceedings but may limit flexibility and require modification petitions for changes.
Advantages of Written Parental Agreements
Parents who negotiate activity cost-sharing outside court proceedings can include specific provisions that courts rarely address. A comprehensive parental agreement might cap total annual activity costs at $3,000 per child, require written consent before enrolling in activities exceeding $500, establish reimbursement deadlines of 30 days after receipt submission, and designate which parent handles registration and equipment purchases. These agreements become enforceable when incorporated into the custody judgment.
When Court Intervention Becomes Necessary
Courts intervene in extracurricular expense disputes when parents cannot agree on cost-sharing, when one parent refuses to pay their proportional share, or when one parent enrolls children in expensive activities without the other parent's consent. Either parent can file a Rule to Show Cause seeking enforcement of existing activity provisions or petition for modification to add or remove activity cost-sharing obligations. Filing fees for motion practice range from $50-$150 in most Louisiana parishes as of April 2026.
How to Add Extracurricular Expenses to an Existing Child Support Order
Either parent may petition Louisiana courts to modify child support orders to include extracurricular activity expenses by demonstrating a change in circumstances under La. R.S. 9:311 or by showing the child's current developmental needs warrant additional support. The modification process requires filing a Rule to Modify Child Support in the parish where the original custody judgment was entered. Parents should gather documentation including activity registration forms, fee schedules, receipts for past expenses, and information demonstrating the activity's developmental benefits.
Required Documentation for Modification Petitions
- Current income documentation for both parents (pay stubs, tax returns, profit/loss statements)
- Activity registration paperwork showing costs and schedules
- Receipts or statements documenting historical activity expenses
- Evidence the activity enhances the child's health, athletic, social, or cultural development
- Completed Louisiana Child Support Worksheet A or B with proposed additions
- Proposed allocation based on each parent's income percentage
Modification Timeline and Costs
Louisiana courts typically schedule modification hearings within 30-90 days of filing in most parishes. Filing fees for modification petitions range from $50-$200 depending on parish. Attorney fees for contested modifications average $1,500-$5,000 in Louisiana metropolitan areas and $1,000-$3,000 in rural parishes. Uncontested modifications where both parents agree may cost $500-$1,500 in attorney fees.
How Joint Custody Affects Extracurricular Expense Obligations
Joint custody arrangements in Louisiana may affect how courts calculate extracurricular expense obligations when parents share approximately equal physical custody time under La. R.S. 9:315.9. Parents with shared custody exceeding 73 days annually use Worksheet B, which accounts for direct costs each household incurs during custody periods. However, extraordinary expenses including extracurricular activities still follow the proportional income-share allocation regardless of which worksheet applies to basic support.
Practical Considerations for Shared Custody Activity Scheduling
Shared custody creates scheduling challenges when children participate in regular activities that span both households. Louisiana courts expect parents to cooperate in facilitating children's participation in activities regardless of which parent has physical custody on activity days. A parent who enrolls a child in activities occurring primarily during the other parent's custody time may face resistance from courts ordering cost-sharing if the scheduling creates undue burden on the non-enrolling parent.
What Happens When Parents Disagree About Which Activities to Fund
Louisiana courts resolve extracurricular activity disputes by examining whether the proposed activity serves the child's developmental interests, whether the cost is reasonable given family finances, and whether both parents can practically facilitate participation under La. R.S. 9:315.6 standards. Courts do not automatically approve every activity request and retain discretion to limit cost-sharing to reasonable expenses that enhance the child's well-being without creating financial hardship.
Factors Courts Consider in Activity Disputes
| Factor | Court's Analysis |
|---|---|
| Child's Interest Level | Has the child expressed genuine interest and commitment? |
| Developmental Benefit | Does the activity enhance health, athletic, social, or cultural development? |
| Cost Reasonableness | Is the expense appropriate given both parents' combined income? |
| Historical Participation | Has the child previously participated in this or similar activities? |
| Scheduling Impact | Can both parents facilitate participation during their custody time? |
| Other Children's Needs | Are activity costs balanced among multiple children? |
| Total Activity Load | Is the child over-scheduled with excessive commitments? |
Resolving Disputes Without Court Intervention
Mediation offers Louisiana parents an alternative to litigation for resolving extracurricular expense disputes at costs ranging from $100-$300 per hour, typically split equally between parents. Many Louisiana parishes require mediation before hearing contested custody or support matters. Successful mediation can establish activity selection processes, spending limits, approval requirements, and dispute resolution mechanisms that prevent future court involvement.
Enforcement Options When a Parent Refuses to Pay Activity Costs
Louisiana provides enforcement mechanisms when a parent fails to pay court-ordered extracurricular expenses including contempt proceedings, income assignment modifications, and attorney fee awards under La. R.S. 9:315.40. The parent owed reimbursement must file a Rule for Contempt demonstrating the other parent willfully failed to comply with the court's extracurricular expense order. Courts may impose sanctions including fines, jail time, wage garnishment, and orders requiring payment of the aggrieved parent's attorney fees.
Steps to Enforce Activity Cost Orders
- Document all activity expenses with receipts and written cost-sharing requests sent to the non-paying parent
- Send written demand for payment with 30-day deadline via certified mail
- File Rule for Contempt in the parish where the original order was entered ($50-$150 filing fee)
- Request the court order payment of outstanding amounts plus attorney fees and court costs
- If contempt is found, the court may order wage garnishment, property liens, or jail time
Wage Garnishment for Extraordinary Expenses
Louisiana courts can order income assignment to collect unpaid extraordinary expenses including extracurricular activity costs. The Louisiana Support Enforcement Services (SES) through the Department of Children and Family Services can assist with enforcement when parents use their services, though many families handle enforcement through private attorneys for faster resolution.
Tax Implications of Extracurricular Activity Payments
Extracurricular activity payments between Louisiana parents do not create tax deductions or taxable income for either party under current federal tax law. Unlike alimony, child support payments including add-on expenses for activities cannot be deducted by the paying parent and are not taxable income to the receiving parent. However, parents should coordinate regarding dependent care credits and child tax credits when activity costs include qualifying childcare components such as summer day camps.
Documentation for Tax Purposes
Parents should maintain records of extracurricular payments for potential audit purposes and to demonstrate compliance with court orders. Documentation should include cancelled checks, bank statements, payment receipts, activity invoices, and written acknowledgment of payments received. These records also prove valuable when either parent seeks future modifications or when disputes arise about payment history.
Recent Louisiana Legislative Changes Affecting Child Support (2025-2026)
Louisiana updated its child support guidelines effective January 1, 2025, through Act 86 (HB 773) of the 2024 Regular Session, which amended the schedule of basic child support obligations under La. R.S. 9:315.19. The updated schedule reflects current economic conditions and adjusts support amounts at various income levels. Additionally, Louisiana modified rules regarding voluntary unemployment, specifying that incarceration does not constitute voluntary unemployment and that parents providing care for children with serious intellectual or physical disabilities are not considered voluntarily unemployed.
Key 2025 Changes Affecting Activity Costs
- Updated support schedule may affect each parent's proportional share calculation
- New provisions recognize caregiving responsibilities for disabled children
- Modified rules for continuing support for disabled children past age 18
- Clarified standards for imputing income to unemployed or underemployed parents
Frequently Asked Questions
Does basic child support in Louisiana cover extracurricular activities?
No, basic child support in Louisiana covers essential expenses including food, housing, education, and clothing but does not automatically include extracurricular activities under La. R.S. 9:315.6. Activity costs must be added as extraordinary expenses by parental agreement or court order, with costs divided proportionally based on each parent's income percentage.
How are sports fees divided in a Louisiana divorce?
Sports fees in Louisiana divorce cases are divided proportionally based on each parent's share of combined adjusted gross income when included in the child support order under La. R.S. 9:315.6. A parent earning 65% of combined income pays 65% of approved sports fees, equipment costs, and related expenses.
Can one parent enroll children in expensive activities without the other's consent?
A parent can enroll children in activities unilaterally, but Louisiana courts may refuse to order cost-sharing if the non-enrolling parent did not consent and the expense is unreasonable. Courts consider both parents' ability to facilitate participation and whether the cost creates financial hardship. Parents should obtain written agreement before enrolling in activities exceeding typical costs.
What qualifies as an extraordinary expense for child support in Louisiana?
Extraordinary expenses under La. R.S. 9:315.6 include private school tuition, transportation between parents, and special expenses enhancing the child's health, athletic, social, or cultural development. Qualifying activities specifically include camp, music lessons, art lessons, travel, and school-sponsored extracurriculars. The activity must provide developmental benefits beyond ordinary recreation.
How do I get my ex to pay their share of activity costs in Louisiana?
File a Rule for Contempt in the parish where your custody order was entered if your ex fails to pay court-ordered activity costs, which costs $50-$150 in filing fees. Gather documentation showing the activity expenses, your cost-sharing requests, and your ex's failure to pay. Courts may order payment of arrears, attorney fees, and impose sanctions including wage garnishment.
Can child support be modified to add extracurricular expenses in Louisiana?
Yes, either parent can petition to modify Louisiana child support orders to add extracurricular expenses by demonstrating a change in circumstances or showing the child's developmental needs warrant additional support under La. R.S. 9:311. Modifications typically take 30-90 days to schedule and cost $50-$200 in filing fees plus attorney fees if represented.
Do Louisiana courts favor certain types of activities over others?
Louisiana courts evaluate activities based on developmental benefit rather than favoring specific activity types under La. R.S. 9:315.6 standards. Courts approve cost-sharing for activities that enhance health, athletic ability, social skills, or cultural development. Activities considered entertainment, luxury experiences, or lacking developmental purpose may not qualify for court-ordered cost-sharing.
How long does child support including activity costs last in Louisiana?
Louisiana child support including extracurricular activity costs continues until the child reaches age 18, or age 19 if the child remains a full-time secondary school student in good standing under La. R.S. 9:315.22. Louisiana does not require parents to contribute to college costs unless they voluntarily agree in their custody agreement.
What if parents have different ideas about appropriate activity spending?
Parents with different spending philosophies should consider mediation ($100-$300/hour) to establish activity selection criteria, annual spending caps, and approval processes before disputes escalate to court. Louisiana family courts encourage parents to resolve these disagreements cooperatively and may order mediation before hearing contested activity expense disputes.
Are travel expenses for activities covered under Louisiana child support?
Travel expenses for activities may qualify as extraordinary expenses under La. R.S. 9:315.6 when directly related to approved developmental activities such as travel team competitions or out-of-state performances. General vacation travel does not qualify. Courts consider whether travel costs are necessary for the child's participation and reasonable given family finances.