Alimony and Special Costs: What to Do?

Questioner

Hello, I have a question. I have been divorced for 4 years now and pay monthly child support. Now my ex-wife wants me to contribute (half) to purchase a new laptop for school and a bicycle for my oldest daughter. Can she ask this? The agreement only mentions the alimony. Kind regards, H

Lawyer

In principle, all costs should be paid from the alimony you have paid. Sometimes, however, there are special costs, such as the purchase of a new bicycle and laptop, and it can be requested that you actually contribute to these. Whether this is reasonable should always be considered. For example, if you pay a high amount in alimony, it could be argued that these costs should also be paid from the alimony. If the alimony is somewhat lower, you could consider contributing to these costs, whether or not for a certain part of them.