Sports, music lessons, tutoring, and other extracurricular activities are often a big part of a child’s life. When parents divorce, deciding how to handle these activities can become a source of conflict. A well-drafted parenting plan should address extracurriculars to avoid future disputes and ensure children continue benefiting from the activities they love.
Who Decides on Activities?
In Washington, decision-making authority can be joint or sole in specific areas such as education, health care, or even religious upbringing. Often, each parent is responsible for extracurricular activities during their residential period. That being said, some Parenting Plans will require joint decision-making for activities.
Common Disputes About Extracurriculars
Parents often disagree about:
- Which activities the child should participate in
- The time commitment required, especially if it interferes with one parent’s residential time
- The cost of activities and who should pay
- Whether the activity is in the child’s best interests
Addressing Costs
The Parenting Plan might grant authority to make decisions about activities, but those costs are more likely determined in the Child Support Order. Washington child support orders don’t automatically cover every extracurricular expense, but parents can agree to divide costs or request that the court include activity expenses in a support order. Clarity about who pays what is essential.
Scheduling and Parenting Time
One of the most common conflicts is whether practices, games, or rehearsals interfere with a parent’s scheduled parenting time. Parenting plans should outline:
- Whether both parents are expected to transport the child
- If activities can occur during the other parent’s time
- Whether either parent can add or remove activities without the other’s consent
Best Practices for Parents
- Communicate early about activities and schedules.
- Keep the child’s interests first, not parental convenience.
- Document agreements in writing to avoid misunderstandings.
- Stay flexible understanding that kids’ interests and schedules change over time.
Work with an Attorney for Clarity
Addressing extracurricular activities upfront can prevent unnecessary conflict later. At Magnuson Lowell, P.S., we help parents draft and negotiate parenting plans that account for real-life needs, including sports, lessons, and other activities. Contact us today for a free telephone case evaluation 425-800-0582 to ensure your plan works for your family.
