In a Decision – P.S. v J.S. - (an "Unreported Decision") >>
the Court Held:
The Trial Court heard arguments on the question as to whether there was an obligation contribute a limited sum of additional funds, above and beyond basic guideline-level child support, to help defray the costs of their teenage daughter’s acting-related expenses and other extracurricular activities.
The Trial Court found that the “gifted” exception under the guidelines was to provide some extra but specifically earmarked funds, of a reasonable amount, to help advance a child’s potential, when such child demonstrated an unusually heightened desire and ability to achieve in a particular field or discipline. It was not to arbitrarily reward a child, or a child’s custodial parent, with a financial bonus for having inborn talents. The court set a reasonable sum of up to an additional $250 per year, per party, as funds specifically earmarked for development of the child’s theatrical-related skills and activities.