A mom shared that their local school split the invoices for separated parents and was surprised that other schools do not have the same practice. Most schools invoice one parent and expect them to sort it out, regardless of their situation.
The mom shared that splitting the bill without them having to deal with their ex-partner is unusual and progressive as it gives separated parents a sign of relief when settling school bills.
The school bill dilemma
According to Jessica (not her real name), when she and her partner Aaron separated, their two children had not started schooling yet. Aaron verbally agreed to pay half of the bill when the eldest started prep education if Jessica received the invoices.
Five years later, Jessica said her ex-partner had not paid anything for more than two years. She shared that it was okay at the start. Then his payment started getting delayed until he finally stopped. When she brought it up, her ex-partner got aggressive, called her names, told her it was not his problem, and to stop harassing him.
She admitted to being utterly powerless because her children could not join the activity if she did not settle the bill. However, if the ex-partner did not resolve the bill, there were no consequences as she paid for it, as per Honey Nine.
School splitting the bill for the separated parents
Now, Jessica shared that any time an expense comes through from the school, she receives 50 percent, and the father receives the other half of the invoice.
The plus side is that the school split the bills in half, and parents like Jessica will never have to bear the brunt of paying their child's school expenses if the ex refuses to pay.
According to family lawyer Jennifer Franklin, the practice is unusual in its approach. The primary caregiver usually receives the invoices and is expected to raise the amount themselves.
Although, in the case of Jessica, Franklin suggested that having a written agreement that includes school expenses can be enormously helpful. The Child Support Agreement (CSA) adheres to these expenses, and the school follows them. The written agreements can save the primary caregiver of change of heart or loss of interest in supporting the child.
If the school does not split the bill for the separated parents, there are other ways in which ex-couples can deal with school bills.
Collection of the bill through the Department of Human Services
According to Primerus, parties may choose to have child support assessed and collected. The amount collected by the agency is to cover the costs of raising the child. For school expenses, the amount is calculated based on fees for public education. Hence, if the child is enrolled in a private school, the amount collected may not be enough.
If there is a previous agreement to let the children go to a private school, the department will hold the paying parent liable to pay the additional child support to cover the extra school fees.
Child Support Agreement
Legal Match says that a child support agreement is an agreement formed between the child's parents that details the complete terms of their child's support. Solicitors can draft these agreements to define the responsibility of each parent in the expenses associated with the children, including school fees. These documents are binding. Both parties need to seek independent legal counsel before venturing into the agreement to avoid miscommunication in the future.
To have a straightforward arrangement concerning paying school expenses, parents must agree that it is acceptable to both parties and that the matter is discussed at the time of separation.
