Parents who are going through a divorce have to ensure their children have what they need, even during this major life upheaval. There are many factors to consider, one of which is the child’s participation in extracurricular activities.
For many children, extracurricular activities are a time to enjoy a favorite activity with friends. They learn new skills, often ones far beyond the ones you’d normally think of when your mind turns to a specific activity.
A child who’s able to continue their favorite activities when they’re going through the change that comes with their parents divorcing often feels more stable than they would if they were pulled out of those activities. Because of this, many parents opt to try to keep the children in those activities, but that requires planning and cooperation.
1. Expenses for the activity
The expenses for the activity are a consideration since the parents will have to decide if one parent will pay them or if they will be split. If they will be split between the parents, there should be something in writing that outlines how this will happen. For example, one parent may pay the fees and then receive a reimbursement from the other parent for their share. These agreements are usually included in a parenting plan instead of a child support order.
2. Transportation and support
Getting the children to and from the activity can be time-consuming, depending on how often they meet and where they go. Determining how to handle that is critical. Additionally, if the activity has shows, meets, competitions, games or anything similar, parents should decide on the rules for attending those.
Everything related to the children should be placed in a parenting plan, so both parents know what to expect. This can be complex, so it may be beneficial to work with someone who can assist with setting everything up in a way that’s best for the children.