Anyone who watched the 2016 Summer Olympics or attended the Games in Brazil is aware of the tremendous costs associated with training for high-level competition. Through athlete interviews and commentaries, we learned that many American athletes come from divorced parents, and to afford their training, these athletes often worked long hours at minimum wage jobs when they weren’t training.
Parents in Virginia who are considering divorce and have extremely talented children, including Olympic hopefuls, may be nervous about how to afford the cost of their child’s training and lessons after their marriage ends.
Start with Child Support Provisions
The first place to address these concerns is within the child support provisions of the final marital settlement agreement. Virginia child support guidelines allow for the allocation of funds for a child’s extracurricular or athletic activities.
However, this standard allotment does not cover the exorbitant costs of training at an Olympic level, which can include:
- Multiple trainers and coaches
- Personal trainers
- Nutritionists or dieticians
- Travel expenses
- Equipment and specialized athletic clothing
These costs can easily reach hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.
Drafting a Marital Settlement Agreement
It is crucial to work with your divorce attorney to draft a marital settlement agreement that includes additional child support for your gifted child. It is not uncommon for settlement agreements to address the needs of children with exceptional talent. This ensures that both you and your ex-spouse plan ahead for your child’s athletic future and Olympic dreams. Memorializing these provisions in a binding contract will prevent confusion over how the child’s training costs will be covered.
Legal Action for Increased Support
If you and your spouse cannot agree on the specifics, your attorney can present the case for increased child support to the judge. The court’s primary consideration will be whether the increase is in the child’s best interests. Other factors include the income of both you and your spouse, as the court cannot order an increase in support if neither party can afford it. The court will also take into account any existing court orders concerning child support and parental decision-making authority.
Legal Support for Your Child’s Athletic Future
If you are considering divorce or are currently going through one and are concerned about how your child’s athletic future will be financed, you need the help of a caring professional who understands the law and will advocate for your rights and the best outcome.
The DiPietro Family Law Group has teams of experienced family lawyers in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC. Contact us to schedule a consultation today at (888) 530-4374 or visit our website.