Before you start completing the Uniform Support Order Addendum, make sure you have the following information ready:
Case & Court Information
Court Name (Family Division location)
Case Number (if already assigned)
Case Name (e.g., In the matter of [Petitioner] and [Respondent])
Shared Child-Related Expenses
You’ll need to specify how each expense category will be shared between the Petitioner and Respondent.
Gather the following information:
Whether the expense percentages are the same across all categories or different
Each parent’s percentage share of expenses (e.g., Petitioner 60%, Respondent 40%)
A list of expenses that will be shared (e.g., medical, school, extracurricular, clothing, etc.)
Any additional or “other” expense categories you want to include
Limits or caps for certain expenses (e.g., school supplies shall not exceed $150 per year per child)
Reimbursement & Payment Procedures
Be prepared to state:
How the parties will exchange invoices or receipts (e.g., email, shared folder, messaging app)
How often (e.g., monthly, quarterly)
The timeframe for reimbursement (e.g., within 15 days of receiving receipts)
Medical Expenses
Have the following ready:
Percentage each party will pay for uninsured medical expenses
Any other medical-related cost categories (orthodontia, therapy, prescriptions, etc.)
Whether any third party (e.g., state, insurance) contributes
Additional Expense Categories
Decide whether to include any of these optional sections and gather details if you do:
Car-Related Costs
Whether the child has or will have a car
Who pays for purchase, gas, insurance, and maintenance
Each party’s percentage contribution
Whether the child contributes to costs
Vacation / Recreation / Entertainment
Which expenses are shared and which are the responsibility of each parent
Any specific shared activity costs (e.g., camps, trips, memberships)
Portable Items Used in Both Homes
Examples: cell phone, tablet, laptop, clothing, sports gear
How costs will be shared
Whether certain items stay with one parent or travel with the child
General Clauses
Decide whether you want language included that requires advance discussion and mutual agreement for unlisted expenses
Determine how disputes will be handled if one parent incurs a non-agreed expense