On child support and additional expenses for children T E X T: PA L O M A M A L D O N A D O – D L C A B O G A D O S
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ithout adopting a didactic approach but with the objective of mitigating controversies and disputes in cases involving non-Spanish couples undergoing separations and divorces, who may not be familiar with our legal system – Spanish couples need not be well-versed in the law either – we can provide clarification, especially in the best interests of the children, regarding the components of their child support and the definition of extraordinary expenses. In cases of marital separation, divorce, or the dissolution of a civil partnership with shared children, a maintenance allowance is determined through a court-issued judgment. The courts have been responsible for defining and elaborating on the components encompassed within these concepts, as well as specifying which expenses qualify as separate extraordinary costs. What kind of expenses does child support include? The child support shall cover the following basic expenses as detailed below: • Essential pharmacy expenses, with a portion covered by the pu-
blic health system or an equivalent health insurance company. • Food, clothing and footwear, hygiene items, personal belongings (rucksack, wallet, etc.). • Costs related to ongoing public or private education at the time when the child support was established. This includes nursery, primary and secondary education, vocational training, and university education. Covered expenses consist of any fees documented by the school, school insurance, enrolment fees, monthly or annual school fees for private or subsidized schools, textbooks, school materials, uniforms, sports attire, transportation, school canteen, PTA (Parent-Teacher Association) dues, or any other parent associations connected with compulsory education. • Basic recreational activities during weekends. • Regarding housing expenses, the maintenance payments will include rent, electricity, gas, and water bills, and internet costs (subject to the financial capacity of both parents and the availability of this service before the divorce). These expenses make up the typical costs considered when determining the maintenance amount.
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