Opinion ID: 1867600
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: modification for payment of extraordinary educational expenses

Text: Having determined that the significant variance standard now applies only in the context of modifications of base child support, we conclude that, at the time this case was filed, the substantial and material change in circumstances standard applied in cases involving modifications of child support for payment of extraordinary educational expenses. [9] Applying the substantial and material change in circumstances standard to the pending case, we conclude that Ms. Kaplan has met that standard. The evidence is undisputed that the parenting plan and the final decree, which did not provide for payment of private school tuition, were based upon the parties' expectations that they both would be living in the Chicago area and that their sons would be attending public school(s) there. Because Ms. Kaplan was unable to find suitable employment and housing in the Chicago area, she decided to remain in Tennessee, which resulted in the two sons remaining in private school in Nashville. Under these facts, we find that a substantial and material change in circumstances has occurred and that Mr. Bugalla's child support obligation should be modified to provide for payment of a portion of the children's extraordinary educational expenses. We remand the case to the trial court for a determination as to the appropriate amount of that modification, consistent with the principles set out in Barnett .