Extracurricular activities, from sports to music lessons, are an important part of many children's lives, but the costs associated with these activities can become a point of disagreement between co-parents. Addressing this issue clearly can help avoid ongoing conflict. Parenting Plans often require parents to outline how extracurricular costs are addressed in Washington divorce and parenting cases.
Whether the Parenting Plan Addresses Extracurricular Costs
Some Washington parenting plans or child support orders specifically address how extracurricular activity costs should be shared between parents, while others leave this issue unaddressed, relying on the parents to work it out informally. Most often, the Child Support Order will declare what amount of payment each party will be responsible for, if any. That may be a set dollar figure or prorated based upon the Child Support Worksheets. Other times, activities may not even be addressed, meaning that neither party may be responsible for extracurricular costs of the other parents.
Distinguishing Necessary Costs from Discretionary Activities
Disputes often arise when one parent enrolls a child in an activity without the other parent's agreement, particularly if the activity involves a significant financial commitment. Courts may look at whether the activity was previously established or a new, unilateral decision. The Parenting Plan is the contract to decide whether this type of behavior is appropriate or not. If joint decision-making is required for the activity or the cost, the payment may not be required. Establishing a process for agreeing on new extracurricular commitments can help prevent these disputes going forward.
Addressing Cost-Sharing Going Forward
When cost-sharing is not addressed in an existing order, parents may need to negotiate an informal agreement or, if necessary, seek a modification to formally address how extracurricular expenses will be split. While informal agreements may be simple, failing to modify into an updated Parenting Plan or Child Support Order may lead to future disputes and added frustration.
Documenting Agreements to Avoid Future Disputes
Once parents reach an agreement about extracurricular cost-sharing, documenting this understanding in writing, even informally, can help avoid confusion or disputes if disagreements arise later. While a formal contract or written agreement may not be necessary, it’s often better to be safe than sorry. Failing to have an email, message, or other confirmation could lead to one party being solely responsible for the expense.
For more significant or recurring costs, formalizing the agreement through a modification of the parenting plan or support order may provide additional clarity and enforceability.
Extracurricular activities enrich children's lives, and clear agreements about cost-sharing can help co-parents avoid unnecessary conflict.
At Magnuson Lowell, P.S., we help parents throughout Washington address extracurricular cost-sharing and related parenting plan issues. We offer free telephone case evaluations to discuss your situation - 425-800-0573
