Can Child Support Orders Cover Educational Technology Costs?

As technology becomes an integral part of modern education, parents may face additional costs for educational technology to support their child’s learning. Items like laptops, tablets, software, online learning tools, and internet access are increasingly necessary for students. In some cases, parents may ask for these costs to be incorporated into child support orders, especially if the child’s education depends on technology. However, whether these costs are covered depends on the specifics of the child support arrangement and the local laws.

Are Educational Technology Costs Typically Covered by Child Support?

Standard Coverage of Child Support

Traditional child support payments generally cover basic living expenses such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education (like tuition, school supplies, and extracurricular activities). However, educational technology is often considered a specialized need, which may not be automatically included in standard child support orders unless the court specifically addresses it.

What Counts as Educational Technology?

Educational technology can encompass a variety of expenses that go beyond basic school supplies:

• Computers or Tablets: Devices necessary for the child to access learning materials or participate in online learning.
• Software: Educational software, learning management systems, or tools required for completing assignments.
• Internet Access: Monthly internet fees for remote learning or school-related online activities.
• Digital Learning Tools: Access to specialized learning apps, platforms, or virtual classrooms that require paid subscriptions.

Modification of Child Support Orders

Since educational technology is not typically considered a routine school expense, parents who want these costs included in the child support order may need to request a modification of the existing support agreement. For example, if one parent is responsible for paying for the child’s technology costs (such as purchasing a laptop or paying for internet), they might request that the other parent share these expenses as part of their support obligation.

Why Educational Technology May Be Included

In certain situations, educational technology may be seen as necessary to ensure that the child receives an adequate education. If the child’s school is conducting virtual learning, or if the child has specific learning needs that require specialized software or devices, a parent may argue that these expenses are essential to the child’s academic success and should be incorporated into the child support order.

Factors That Influence Whether Educational Technology Costs Are Covered

• The Child's Educational Needs: If a child has unique learning requirements or attends a school that requires digital learning tools, the parent may petition the court for an adjustment. For example, a child with special educational needs (e.g., dyslexia or autism) might require specific software, which can be expensive. In these cases, the court may find it reasonable to allocate additional funds for these expenses under the support order.
• The Parent’s Financial Situation: The ability of the non-custodial parent to contribute to educational technology expenses is a factor the court will consider. If one parent has the financial means to purchase or contribute to the cost of technology, while the other cannot, the court may order that the financially able parent provide additional support for these costs.
• Existing Court Order or Agreement: If the current child support agreement specifically covers education-related expenses, parents might have an easier time requesting a modification to include educational technology costs. In these cases, the court may interpret educational tools as part of the child’s education and amend the order accordingly.
• Shared Custody and Responsibility: In shared custody arrangements, both parents might be expected to contribute equally to educational expenses, including technology. If one parent is paying for a computer or internet access, they may request that the other parent reimburse them for half of the cost, particularly if the child is using the technology at both parents' homes.
• Court's Discretion: Courts have discretion when it comes to deciding whether certain expenses, like educational technology, should be included in the support order. Courts will consider the best interests of the child, the educational needs, and the parents’ ability to pay when making such decisions.

Steps to Request Educational Technology Costs in Child Support

Documenting Educational Technology Needs

The parent requesting the modification should document the educational technology needs of the child. This may include:

• Letters from the school or teachers explaining why specific technology is necessary.
• Invoices or receipts for any educational tools, software, or devices purchased for the child’s use.
• Proof of ongoing costs such as internet access fees or subscriptions for online learning tools.

Filing a Motion for Modification

The parent requesting the modification will need to file a motion for modification with the court. The motion should include the documented educational technology costs and an explanation of why these expenses are essential for the child’s education.

Court Hearing

At the hearing, the parent requesting the modification will need to demonstrate how the educational technology supports the child’s learning and why it is necessary for the child’s academic success. The court will then decide whether these costs should be added to the child support order.

Judicial Decision

The judge may grant or deny the modification based on the facts presented. If the court agrees that the child’s educational needs justify the additional technology costs, it may order that these expenses be shared or fully covered by the non-custodial parent.

Examples of Educational Technology Costs Covered in Support Orders

Example 1: Special Needs Child

John’s 10-year-old daughter, Mia, has ADHD and requires specific software to help her focus and stay organized during school. The software costs $200 per year. John requests a modification of his child support order, asking that his ex-wife, Sarah, contribute to the cost of the software. The court agrees, as the software is necessary for Mia’s education, and orders Sarah to contribute 50% of the cost.

Example 2: Virtual Learning Due to Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sarah’s 15-year-old son, Jack, needs a laptop to participate in online school. Sarah cannot afford to purchase the device herself, but her ex-husband, Tom, is financially stable. Sarah requests that Tom contribute to the cost of the laptop. The court agrees to adjust the child support order to require Tom to pay $500 toward the purchase of the laptop, given the necessity of the device for Jack’s education.

Example 3: Shared Custody Arrangement

In a shared custody arrangement, both parents agree that their 13-year-old daughter, Emma, needs a tablet for online schoolwork. The father, Mark, purchases the tablet but asks the mother, Karen, to reimburse him for half the cost. They include the reimbursement in their child support agreement, and the court approves this arrangement.

Example 4: Access to Educational Apps

Michael and Lisa have a 12-year-old son, Noah, who has a learning disability. Noah’s school requires the use of a subscription to a specialized educational app that costs $150 per year. Michael requests that Lisa cover half the cost of the app as part of the child support agreement. Lisa agrees, and the court adds the cost to the child support order, requiring both parents to split the expense.

Conclusion

While educational technology costs are not automatically included in standard child support orders, they can be considered if the child’s education depends on digital tools or if the child has special educational needs. Parents who wish to include these costs in their child support agreement may need to file a motion for modification and provide evidence of the child’s needs and the associated expenses. Courts will consider the best interests of the child and the financial situation of both parents when deciding whether to include educational technology costs in a support order.