What age of child is daycare not required to factor in child support?

[rangerone314]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? (Maryland)

I'm a non-custodial parent and am wondering at what age of the child is a summer camp or daycare expense NOT considered a work-related child care expense that needs to be factored into child support calculation. I know in Maryland a child does can stay at home (not overnight) unattended at age 8, and my son is age 11.

Is it possible and likely to get child support reduced on this basis?

 

[Ohiogal]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? (Maryland)

I'm a non-custodial parent and am wondering at what age of the child is a summer camp or daycare expense NOT considered a work-related child care expense that needs to be factored into child support calculation. I know in Maryland a child does can stay at home (not overnight) unattended at age 8, and my son is age 11.

Is it possible and likely to get child support reduced on this basis?

There is NO LAW that states a child can stay home unattended at age 8.

Daycare normally goes to the age of 12 I do believe. The federal IRS code has stipulations regarding daycare expenses and most states follow that.

 

[nextwife]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? (Maryland)

I'm a non-custodial parent and am wondering at what age of the child is a summer camp or daycare expense NOT considered a work-related child care expense that needs to be factored into child support calculation. I know in Maryland a child does can stay at home (not overnight) unattended at age 8, and my son is age 11.

Is it possible and likely to get child support reduced on this basis?

My child was home after school without daycare at age 11. Eight is too young, IMHO.

 

[LdiJ]

There is NO LAW that states a child can stay home unattended at age 8.

Daycare normally goes to the age of 12 I do believe. The federal IRS code has stipulations regarding daycare expenses and most states follow that.

The tax code disallows a child care deduction once the child has turned 13. Most states follow that same age limit.

I would be surprised if any state statute disallowed daycare at age 11.

 

[ProSeDadinMD]

Most "daycare facilities" that I am aware of in MD won't take a child over the age of 12. Doesn't mean there aren't some out there that will though. After that age, even summer camp would be "optional".

I was a latchkey kid in 1st grade(6-7y.o.) myself...

Here's the MD code on "unattended children":

5-801. Confinement in dwelling, building, enclosure, or motor vehicle.

(a) In general.- A person who is charged with the care of a child under the age of 8 years may not allow the child to be locked or confined in a dwelling, building, enclosure, or motor vehicle while the person charged is absent and the dwelling, building, enclosure, or motor vehicle is out of the sight of the person charged unless the person charged provides a reliable person at least 13 years old to remain with the child to protect the child.

(b) Penalties for violation.- A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days, or both.

 

[Artemis_ofthe_Hunt]

Most "daycare facilities" that I am aware of in MD won't take a child over the age of 12. Doesn't mean there aren't some out there that will though. After that age, even summer camp would be "optional".

I was a latchkey kid in 1st grade(6-7y.o.) myself...

Really? That's kind of scary! I wouldn't leave my child unattended for that long! There are afterschool programs! No excuse for that one!

 

[ProSeDadinMD]

Really? That's kind of scary! I wouldn't leave my child unattended for that long! There are afterschool programs! No excuse for that one!

Well, considering it was 1974 or so(good golly I suddenly feel old), it is what it was. Not sure how "scary " it was...

On the other hand, Little Miss Pro Se won't be doing that sort of thing until she's 12, and she doesn't turn 12 till the end of 6th grade. Sounds about right to me.

 

[TheGeekess]

The Child will continue at her after-school care until she's 15/16... then she'll work there. I've already made the arrangements with the lady who owns the center (Lord willing and the creek doesn't rise). Of course, I work an hour away from the house and my parents live farther from me than that.

 

[Isis1]

ha!! i got ALL of you beat! my mom used to leave me home alone while she worked graveyard when i was 2 and 3!! while in the military!

and no, i don't allow her to watch my children.

 

[LdiJ]

ha!! i got ALL of you beat! my mom used to leave me home alone while she worked graveyard when i was 2 and 3!! while in the military!

and no, i don't allow her to watch my children.

OMG...how sad and sorry.

 

[StampGirl]

Here is a good one regarding how old a child can be to stay home alone:

We were in court about a month ago. I was asking for daycare costs for the 2 younger ones (ages 11 and 8). There was a time lapse of about 2hrs from when the oldest one (14yr) got home after the other kids. So they would be alone in the house for about 2hrs until the 14yr old got home.

Judge said nope not acceptable. She ordered daycare costs. Ex and his attorney got ticked and his attorney asked the judge (and I quote) " Well Your Honor, can you tell me what age this court believes is an acceptable age to leave children alone for an hour or so?". Judge went off on his attorney saying she would never court order kids to be latchkey kids if the custodial parent believes they need daycare.

So be careful when asking what age you can leave your kids alone at home. Personally, I don't feel comfortable with that. My ex feels its ok to leave all three of them home alone for excess of 10-12hrs. He did this during the summer. Judge smacked him for this too and said No More. He can't use our 14yr old as a babysitter no more.

And this is CA.