Do I Have to Pay for Sports, Music Lessons, or Summer Camps If I Am Already Paying Child Support in Indiana?

You want your child to have every opportunity—to grow, to explore, to thrive. But when you are already paying monthly child support, it’s fair to ask: Why am I also being asked to chip in for gymnastics, violin lessons, or overnight summer camp?

It’s one of the most common—and most frustrating—questions we hear from Indiana parents: “Isn’t that what child support is for?” The short answer? Not necessarily. But the long answer depends on your court order, your parenting plan, and what the court believes is in the best interest of your child.

At Mattox & Wilson, we help parents get clarity. Because no one should be left guessing about their rights—or footing the bill for something they never agreed to.

Need help sorting out your obligations—or protecting your finances?
Call us today at (812) 944-8005 to schedule a consultation with a New Albany child support attorney who can review your order and help you plan your next step.

What Does Basic Child Support Cover in Indiana?

Indiana’s Child Support Guidelines provide a general framework for calculating support, but they don’t specifically detail every single child-related expense. At its core, child support is intended to cover:

• Basic necessities: food, shelter, and clothing
• Educational expenses (e.g., public school supplies)
• Ordinary medical and dental expenses

But this doesn’t necessarily include the “extras” like soccer leagues, piano lessons, or art camp. Need help interpreting your support order? Call our office today at (812) 944-8005 for a consultation with an experienced New Albany child support attorney.

Are Extracurricular Activities Included in Indiana Child Support?

Not by default. Indiana courts treat extracurricular expenses—such as sports, music, summer camps, tutoring, or travel teams—as extraordinary expenses. These are not presumed to be covered by the regular child support obligation unless:

• The parenting agreement or court order specifically includes them, or
• The court determines that such expenses are reasonable and necessary for the child’s development and orders a parent to contribute

Many parenting time or custody agreements will include language about how these costs are shared—or who gets to decide whether a child participates in an activity.

Can the Court Order Me to Pay for These Extra Costs?

Yes. Under Indiana’s Child Support Rules and Guidelines, a judge may deviate from the standard support calculation and allocate additional expenses if doing so is in the child’s best interests.

The court has discretion to order both parents to contribute to:

• Uninsured medical expenses
• Childcare necessary for a parent’s employment
• Educational expenses beyond basic public school
• Extracurricular activities that benefit the child’s social, academic, or emotional development

If your co-parent petitions the court and can demonstrate that these activities are necessary and that both parents have the means to contribute, a judge may add those obligations to your support order.

What If My Parenting Agreement Is Silent About Extra Costs?

If your court order or parenting agreement doesn’t say anything about extracurricular costs, you may not be legally required to contribute—but that doesn’t mean you won’t be asked to.

In these cases, it’s wise to document:

• Which parent is enrolling the child in the activity
• Whether there was any prior agreement or discussion
• How costs are being allocated

This helps prevent future disputes and demonstrates good-faith communication.

Can I Refuse to Pay for an Activity I Didn’t Approve?

This is a common conflict. If your parenting agreement requires joint decisions for non-essential expenses, your co-parent may not be able to unilaterally enroll your child in an expensive activity and expect you to pay.

That said, Indiana courts want parents to act in the child’s best interests—and refusing to contribute toward something your child loves (like soccer or drama camp) can backfire in future proceedings, especially if the cost is reasonable and your refusal seems punitive.

What Happens If We Can’t Agree on Extracurricular Expenses?

You can petition the court for clarification or modification of your parenting plan or support order.

Here’s how the process typically works:

1. Petition is filed asking the court to determine whether extracurriculars should be added as a shared expense
2. Hearing is held where both parents can present evidence (income, activity costs, benefit to the child)
3. Judge issues an order either assigning responsibility or denying the request

We help parents navigate this process all the time. A clear, enforceable court order is better than years of arguing over summer soccer. Let us help draft or revise your court orders to reflect your actual needs. Call (812) 944-8005 today to schedule a confidential consultation.

Can My Support Be Modified to Include or Exclude Extracurricular Costs?

Yes. Indiana law allows for modification of child support orders if:

• There has been a substantial and continuing change in circumstances, or
• It’s been more than 12 months since the last order and a new calculation would result in at least a 20% change[1]

This could include new income, new activities, or new needs—like a child joining a travel sports team or beginning private music lessons.

Final Thoughts from Our Indiana Child Support Attorneys

At Mattox & Wilson, we have worked with hundreds of parents throughout New Albany and Southern Indiana who want clarity, fairness, and peace of mind when it comes to child support.

Extracurricular activities can enrich a child’s life—but disagreements over cost-sharing can quickly sour co-parenting relationships. Whether you’re the paying parent or the recipient, it’s critical to understand your rights and obligations—and have them reflected in writing.

Do you have questions about your child support obligations or parenting plan? Call Mattox & Wilson today at (812) 944-8005. We’re here to help you navigate every aspect of Indiana family law with practical advice and unwavering support.

[1] Guideline 4. Modification, Indiana Court Rules, 4. Modification.