As the summer begins, parents of young children are often tasked with scheduling activities to keep their kids active and entertained. Whether that means summer camp, a team sport, or vacations, there are several things to consider, from scheduling each activity to the cost. This can become particularly challenging when parents are divorced, and they have to figure out who is responsible for paying for these summer activities while also navigating custody issues that may arise during the summer months.
You should review your custody and co-parenting agreement to determine who is responsible for scheduling the activities and who is expected to pay for them. Depending on the terms of your divorce agreement, it may specifically address summer camps and activities and which parent is responsible for paying for them.
How Can I Avoid Complications Associated With Paying for Summer Activities?
Even if your divorce was amicable and you agree on most issues, planning for the summer can be overwhelming and stressful, particularly when there are significant costs involved. To avoid as much conflict as possible, it is recommended that you keep the following guidelines in mind:
- Create a co-parenting plan. If you and your spouse have not created a detailed co-parenting plan, it is important that you do so as soon as possible. Work with a trained mediator or parenting coach who can assist you with devising a mutually agreeable parenting plan. Make sure the plan is flexible, and consider your children’s changing needs and interests as they grow.
- Set a budget. This is particularly important if you and your ex do not have considerable expendable income to spend on camps, activities, and vacations. Be honest and realistic about what you can afford, and avoid signing your children up for something if it will put unnecessary financial stress on either one of you.
- Discuss summer plans with your former spouse as soon as possible. The earlier you discuss summer plans and your children’s activities with your former spouse, the better. This will avoid arguments over last-minute scheduling requests.
- Be understanding. While a parent should never avoid making court-ordered child support payments, if your ex is going through a difficult financial situation and you are willing to cover certain summer-related expenses, this can avoid conflicts that can negatively impact your children.
- Do not try to compete with your ex. If your ex is planning a summer vacation with your children, do not plan a more elaborate vacation simply to outdo your ex. This will create more animosity between the two of you and potentially cause your children to experience unnecessary stress and tension.
Our Hunterdon County Divorce Lawyers at Tune Law Group, LLC Help Clients Negotiate Financial Matters Related to Divorce
If you have questions or concerns about how your divorce agreement will impact your children’s summer plans and who is financially responsible, contact our Hunterdon County divorce lawyers at Tune Law Group, LLC as soon as possible. Our dedicated legal team will recommend tips and strategies that will make the process of scheduling and paying for your children’s summer activities less stressful and contentious. To schedule an initial free consultation, call us today at 908-434-1061 or contact us online. Located in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, we serve clients in and around Hunterdon County, Monmouth County, Whitehouse, and Tewksbury.