Does Child Support Mean Paying for Extracurricular Activities in Minnesota?
UPDATED SEPT 2025
Few topics in family law stir up more debate than child support. If you’ve ever sat at a kitchen table with your Ex trying to hash out kids expenses, you know how quickly the conversation can turn tense. On one side, the obligor (the parent paying support) often feels like they’re already paying a small fortune each month.
On the other side, the obligee (the parent receiving support) may feel that the payments barely scratch the surface of what it takes to raise a child. Toss extracurricular activities into the mix, and you’ve got a recipe for conflict.
Extracurricular activities: what we mean are dance, hockey, baskebtall.. any sort of activities that kids do that costs money!
Let’s break this down with clarity, a dash of humor (i’m told I’m funny), and some practical insight into how Minnesota law views child support and whether soccer cleats, piano lessons, and summer camps fit into the equation.
What Child Support Covers in Minnesota
Under Minnesota Statute §518A.26, child support is defined as covering the basics: food, housing, clothing, transportation, and education-related costs. Think of it as the “essentials package” for raising a child. It does not automatically include everything a child might need or want, like horseback riding lessons or a $200 graphing calculator for advanced math camp.
In addition to basic support, Minnesota child support orders often address:
- Child care expenses (when necessary for a parent to work or attend school).
- Medical support, which includes health insurance and out-of-pocket medical costs.
- Unreimbursed medical expenses like co-pays or prescriptions.
Notice what’s missing? Extracurricular activities. Unless they directly fall under the umbrella of education or care, they’re usually considered optional add-ons.
For a deep dive, you can review the statute yourself here: Minnesota Legislature – Child Support.
Extracurricular Activities: The Gray Area
Here’s the tricky part: kids don’t live on bread, shelter, and math homework alone. Childhood often includes soccer games, piano recitals, debate team tournaments, or summer camp adventures. These activities aren’t strictly required for survival, but they do contribute to a child’s growth, social skills, and confidence.
The law doesn’t automatically require a parent to contribute to extracurricular costs. But many parents choose to share these expenses voluntarily, or by agreement in their divorce decree or parenting plan. For example:
- Sports fees and uniforms (including shoes and other gear)
- Music lessons and instruments
- Academic tutoring (math or ACT as an example)
- Summer enrichment programs
If parents can afford it and agree to it, splitting these costs can ease tensions and ensure the child gets the full experience of growing up. As one Minnesota judge once quipped, “Kids shouldn’t have to choose between braces and basketball.”
What If Parents Disagree?
Disagreements are common. One parent may see travel hockey as essential, while the other views it as an expensive hobby. When there’s no written agreement, the parent who wants the activity generally has to pay for it.
Courts in Minnesota typically won’t order a parent to cover extracurricular costs unless it’s specifically written into the child support order or parenting plan. This is why many family law attorneys encourage parents to negotiate extracurricular activities during the divorce process. A well-drafted agreement might say, for example:
“The parents shall equally divide the cost of mutually agreed-upon extracurricular activities, including but not limited to sports, music lessons, and tutoring.”
Without language like this, the default answer is simple: extracurriculars are optional and not automatically included in child support.
Practical Advice for Parents
If you’re navigating this issue, here are some practical tips:
- Put it in writing. Don’t rely on verbal promises. If you agree to split costs, make it part of your divorce decree or parenting plan.
- Set limits. Agree on a budget or cap per year so one parent doesn’t feel blindsided by unexpected costs.
- Consider the child’s interests and needs. Extracurriculars should be about the child’s growth, not about parental competition.
- Communicate openly. Before signing your child up for karate, talk it over. Surprises may work for birthday parties, but not for shared finances.
For general information on Minnesota’s child support system, you can also visit the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters
Extracurricular activities aren’t just about fun—they can shape a child’s future. Studies show that kids involved in structured activities tend to perform better academically, develop stronger social skills, and even have improved mental health (CDC Research on Youth Programs). Whether it’s choir practice, robotics club, or martial arts, these experiences often pay dividends well into adulthood.
That said, financial realities can’t be ignored. For some families, splitting extracurricular costs is manageable; for others, it’s simply not feasible. The key is finding balance: giving your child opportunities without creating resentment or financial strain between parents.
Final Thoughts
So, does child support cover extracurricular activities in Minnesota? The short answer: No, not by default. Child support ensures the basics, but extracurriculars usually require a separate agreement between parents.
If you’re in the middle of a divorce or child support modification, think ahead about these costs. After all, raising kids isn’t just about keeping them fed and clothed, it’s also about nurturing their passions, building their confidence, and letting them discover who they are. As the saying goes, “Don’t just prepare your children for school; prepare them for life.”
The information you’ll find on mankatofamilylaw.com may be packed with Minnesota family law know-how, but let’s be clear, it ain’t legal advice. Think of it as helpful reading material, not a personalized roadmap. Mr. Kohlmeyer is a proud Minnesota-licensed attorney (sorry, Wisconsin and beyond—you’re out of luck here). If you’re looking for real legal representation in Minnesota, give us a call at 507-625-5000.
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