Opinion ID: 901506
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Van Purchase [1]

Text: [¶30.] Todd argues the trial court abused its discretion when it ordered an upward deviation of his child support obligation for the purchase of a van for Andrew. Todd contends the trial court sua sponte provided Kimberly with the deviation for the purchase of a new van. He attempts to characterize her testimony at the child support hearing as merely an expression of her concerns over the van. Todd then argues that Kimberly's need for a vehicle is no different than any other parent's need for a vehicle for family transportation, analogizing the need for a larger van to accommodate Andrew's growth to that of any other mother's need to have a van so as to accommodate more of a child's friends. Todd then argues the trial court abused its discretion when it failed to consider that Kimberly's decision to purchase a Chevrolet van, instead of a Volkswagen van, rendered obsolete the lift and lock-down system previously purchased by Todd's family. Finally, Todd argues that a vehicle is not a necessary or special need within the meaning of SDCL 25-7-6.10, and therefore, an upward deviation from the basic child support obligation may not be imposed for the purchase of the van. [¶31.] Kimberly instituted the proceedings for two purposes, first, to modify the child support obligation and second, to change the divorce decree to allow her to claim Andrew as a dependant in each tax year. At the hearing, Kimberly testified to the need for a new van for Andrew's transportation due to the age of the current van, the travel to and from Andrew's school in Sioux Falls, and Andrew's physical growth. Todd's claim that the trial court sua sponte provided Kimberly with the upward deviation for the van is without merit. [¶32.] Todd's arguments that a vehicle is not a special need within the meaning of SDCL 25-7-6.10 and that the need is one for transportation for Kimberly are equally without merit. Kimberly testified at the hearing that the need for additional headroom for Andrew as he continues to grow was the basis of the decision to purchase a Chevrolet van rather than another Volkswagen van that could accommodate the current lift and lock-down system. In addition, Kimberly testified that the Easter Seals Society had already approved a $500 contribution toward the cost of the $1,000 ramp and lock-down system for the new van. Furthermore, Todd offered no testimony at the hearing as to how the purchase of a Volkswagen van would better accommodate Andrew's physical needs. The trial court entered specific findings of fact regarding Andrew's disability and physical limitations and how his need for reliable transportation to school and for medical visits made the purchase of the new van a special need within the meaning of SDCL 25-7-6.10.