Who Pays for Extracurricular Activities After Divorce?

 Posted on July 22, 2026 in Child Support

The costs of extracurricular activities can add up quickly. When parents are paying or receiving child support, it isn’t always clear who needs to pay for what. It may be unclear if any money is owed for extracurriculars at all. 

For parents trying to work out extracurricular expenses in 2026, a Kane County child support lawyer can help clarify what is required by Illinois law.

Does Child Support Cover the Cost of Extracurricular Activities in Illinois?

Basic child support in Illinois is meant to cover everyday needs like food, clothing, shelter, and routine transportation. It's not inherently designed to cover costs such as club sports, music lessons, or summer camps. Illinois law treats extracurricular expenses as something a judge can address outside of the base support amount.

Under 750 ILCS 5/505(a)(3.6), a court may order one or both parents to contribute to reasonable school and extracurricular activity expenses. These activities should support a child's "education, athletic development, or social and cultural growth." 

Additional support orders for extracurriculars are not always guaranteed. A judge must decide it's appropriate based on the family's situation.

How Do Illinois Courts Decide Who Pays for Extracurricular Expenses?

Illinois uses an "income shares" model for child support. This typically means each parent contributes money. The basic child support calculation considers each parent’s share of their combined net income. A court may divide extracurricular expenses according to the parents’ respective incomes, but Illinois law does not require a specific formula.

When making decisions about extracurricular support, courts often consider things like:

• Each parent's net income and overall ability to pay

• Whether the activity was part of the child's routine before the divorce

• The cost of the activity compared to the family's financial situation

• Whether both parents agree the activity benefits the child

• Any existing agreement in the divorce decree about extra expenses

Some divorce decrees specifically address how expenses for outside activities get divided. These provisions usually remain in force unless a parent goes back to court to ask specifically for a change to their order.

What if Parents Can’t Agree on Extracurricular Child Support Costs?

Parents may not always see eye-to-eye about what activities are appropriate or necessary for their child. A judge’s order is the final say about who pays and how much. However, it often benefits parents to come to an agreement outside of court on what is realistic for their situation. 

Options such as mediation are good tools for parents struggling to agree. Mediation gives parents a chance to work out these details together instead of asking a judge to decide for them. A mediator helps both sides talk through issues. These may include why one parent won’t agree to activities, what's realistic financially, and how to divide the cost fairly going forward.

What Happens If Extracurricular Activities Change After a Divorce is Finalized in Illinois?

It’s common for children’s extracurriculars to change as they grow. Even if they continue doing the same activities, expenses may go up as they advance in skill. 

If the existing order does not address these expenses and the parents cannot agree, either parent may ask the court to determine responsibility for reasonable extracurricular costs. If this requires modification of an existing child support order, the parent generally must show a substantial change in circumstances.  Parents will need to show additional reasons why the order needs to be modified. 

Call a St. Charles, IL Child Support Lawyer

Our Kane County divorce attorneys are available to help parents with all their child support questions. Our main attorney is an experienced mediator who focuses on helping parents reach fair, workable agreements. Shaw Sanders, P.C. is also fully prepared to litigate aggressively in court when needed. 

Call 630-584-5550 today to schedule your free consultation.