Thank you for that. I wonder if their way around that is because he doesnt actually see the judge. He comes in a few months in a row then they might skip a month or two then bring him back. But he only meets with the trustee in a room at a table never with the judge. When I had my case first transferred I found out about it and went in and I dont think the trustee appreciated that. He was like can I help you? This meeting is for him? But I've always gone when my case was in different counties. Its weird that that haven't brought him to the judge. The secretaries just say they are doing all they can and the judge won't do anything and I should go through the state.

OK, thanks for information. I'll check out that link.

I would categorize this as a direct expense simply because it is paid directly to a 3rd party for participation in something.  However, since you don't have residency, the parent receiving child support is financially responsible for both indirect and direct expenses - all of them.  So, regardless of the categorization of the expense, the parent responsible for direct and indirect expenses would have to pay for it.


The only gray area is what you've eluded to.  Your ex may content that this expense is in addition to child support.  For that answer, I will direct you to the child support committee minutes which state that "all" expense are included in the tables.  That's because the data on which the guidelines are based include all possible expenses for a child on an average basis.  Exactly as you mention, nearly all kids take driver's ed regardless of income.  It's essentially considered part of the school curriculum these days and could even be considered a school expense.  In my book this is a very normal/typical expense.


I believe BMull who owns eFamilyTools has written an article about direct expenses on their blog.  See https://efamilytools.com.  I'd say there's plenty of case law and other data on the subject to show that this expense is already considered in the tables.  Brian Mull can probably guide you further if you need.

It sounds like you're doing your own diligence which is awesome!  I wish more folks did that to gut check the numbers.  In the end, remember that you're bound by the guidelines - even if the guidelines don't make sense.

Please pm me and I'll provide my email address.

I've run into all kinds of things that don't make sense.  Can you or some other kind soul look at some worksheets that I've filled out and see where I'm going wrong.  Perhaps via email and out of public eye?  It seems as if the more support I offer, the more it forces me to pay. That or I'm really not understanding something.

Thank you.