FAQ: What Does Child Support Cover in Kansas?

Child support is one of the main aspects addressed during any separation where children are involved. It often becomes one of the most contentious issues for separating couples in Kansas, as emotions tend to run high when it comes to the well-being of their children.

Under Kansas law, both parents are required to contribute to their child’s expenses in proportion to their incomes until the child is no longer deemed “dependent.” Understanding the scope of child support in Kansas and the parents’ legal responsibilities can help in navigating this complex process.

Child support expenses are generally divided into two categories: basic and extraordinary. Each category covers different aspects of the child’s daily life and may require different payment methods.

Basic Expenses Covered by Child Support in Kansas

Child support in Kansas is designed to cover the essential day-to-day needs of the child. These basic expenses encompass various aspects of the child’s life, ensuring they have a stable and supportive environment. The key areas covered include:

• Food: This includes all meals and snacks, such as weekly groceries and school lunches.
• Clothing: Everyday wear and school uniforms are covered to ensure the child is appropriately dressed for all occasions.
• Housing: Contributions towards the monthly mortgage or rental payments, as well as utility bills, are included to provide a secure home.
• Education: Public school tuition fees and related educational costs ensure that the child’s schooling needs are met.
• Transportation: Expenses for bus fees, as well as the costs associated with dropping off and picking up the child from school or the other parent’s home.
• Healthcare: Health insurance premiums and ordinary medical and dental expenses are covered to maintain the child’s health.
• Daycare: For parents who work, daycare costs are included to ensure the child is cared for during working hours.

These basic expenses form the foundation of child support obligations, ensuring that the child’s essential needs are met consistently.

What Are Extraordinary Expenses?

In addition to basic expenses, child support in Kansas also covers extraordinary expenses. These are costs that fall outside of everyday needs but are still necessary for the child’s well-being. Parents can mutually decide what constitutes an extraordinary expense, which is then included in the separation agreement and parenting plan.

Typical Extraordinary Expenses

• School Supplies and Additional School Clothing: Costs for textbooks, uniforms, and other school-related items.
• School Excursions and Activities: Fees for field trips, school outings, and extracurricular activities.
• Extracurricular or Private Lessons: Costs for music, art, sports lessons, or other specialized training.
• Summer Camps: Fees for various summer camp programs that provide enrichment and supervision.
• Special Clothing/Equipment: Items required for specific sports or hobbies, such as uniforms, gear, or instruments.
• Club or Organization Memberships: Membership fees for clubs, sports teams, or other organizations the child is involved in.
• Medical Emergencies: Unplanned medical costs not covered by insurance, including emergency room visits, surgeries, or treatments.

If a child has special needs or specific interests that incur additional costs, these expenses can also be classified as extraordinary and added to the agreement.

Payment of Extraordinary Expenses

Extraordinary expenses are typically paid separately from basic child support as they arise. This arrangement necessitates regular communication between parents, which can be challenging to enforce consistently.

Alternatively, parents can estimate the annual costs of these extraordinary expenses, divide by 12, and add the resulting monthly amount to the basic child support obligation. This method simplifies enforcement by incorporating these expenses into the child support worksheet, making it easier for the courts to manage.

Extraordinary Medical Expenses

Extraordinary medical expenses are an important component of child support in Kansas. These are uninsured medical, dental, and mental health expenses that exceed $250 per year per child. The first $250 is typically included in the basic child support, but costs beyond this amount are considered extraordinary and must be specifically addressed.

Extraordinary Medical Expenses

• Dental Work: Costs for braces, orthodontic treatments, and other dental procedures.
• Physical Therapy: Expenses for rehabilitation and therapeutic services.
• Surgery: Costs associated with necessary surgical procedures.
• Optical Care: Expenses for glasses, contact lenses, and other eye care needs.
• Chronic Health Problems: Costs related to managing long-term health conditions not covered by insurance.
• Professional Counseling or Psychiatric Treatment: Fees for mental health services, including therapy and psychiatric care.

These expenses are typically paid by the parents as they occur. However, to streamline the process and ensure consistent financial planning, parents can choose to average these costs over the year. By dividing the total annual estimated expenses by 12, they can add a manageable monthly amount to the basic child support obligation. This amount is then divided in proportion to the parents’ adjusted incomes and incorporated into the child support worksheet, making enforcement simpler for the courts.

Addressing extraordinary medical expenses in this manner ensures that all necessary healthcare needs of the child are met without causing undue financial strain on either parent.

Change in Child Support Payments

Child support payments in Kansas are determined by the court based on the expected expenses and financial circumstances of each parent. These payments are usually made monthly and are enforceable by law. However, the court understands that circumstances can change for both parents and the child.

Several situations might lead to a need for modifying child support payments, such as:

• Job Loss or Income Change: If you lose your job or experience a significant change in income, or if the other parent gets demoted or promoted.
• Changes in Child’s Living Arrangements: If the child starts spending more time with the other parent, altering their level of responsibility and expenses.

How to Apply for Modifications

If you experience a significant change in circumstances, you can apply to the court for a modification of the child support agreement. To qualify for a modification, you must demonstrate that the change results in at least a 10-percent increase or decrease in child support from the original order.

Have Questions About Child Support in Kansas?

Child support in Kansas can be challenging and often leads to disputes. With a clear understanding of what child support covers, you are better equipped to meet your parental obligations and work towards a mutually agreeable arrangement.

If you need assistance or have any questions, the experienced divorce attorneys at Kansas Legal Group are here to help. We can provide guidance and support to ensure your child support agreement is fair and comprehensive. Start with a free case evaluation or give us a call at 913.456.5738 to set up a consultation.