Arguments about extracurriculars are common between divorced or separated parents. One parent may believe the kids should do soccer or football, while the other parent feels playing an instrument or joining the choir should be a priority. Parents may also disagree about religious extracurricular activities, such as youth groups, church camps, or Sunday school. If disagreements arise, family attorneys can help settle them.

Why are family attorneys helpful when it comes to fights about extracurricular activities?

Family attorneys understand how important extracurriculars are to children in terms of their educational and emotional growth. Family lawyers will look at the facts on both sides and provide sound legal advice that is in the best interests of your children. They may suggest compromises such as allowing the kids to do some activities with one parent and others with another. A family attorney may also request that a parent must pay for a sport or other extracurricular in full if the other parent disagrees with the children participating in it.

Family attorneys can also act as mediators between you and your ex if you usually get along but have a temporary disagreement, such as whether to place a child in baseball or track. An attorney can help you come to an agreement that works well for everyone involved, including your children.

What happens if you have to go to court for extracurricular activities?

If you and your ex can't agree after mediation, your family attorney can file a motion to have the judge decide. At court, one (or more) of the following things may happen:

• Both parents receive joint physical and legal custody
• One parent receives sole legal custody or tie-breaker joint legal custody rights, which means they have the final say on decisions regarding extracurriculars
• Parents are ordered to attend co-parenting counseling to work through their co-parenting issues
• Each parent is ordered to only enroll the children in activities that fall during their custodial time, such as a weekly ballet class that does not interfere with the other parent's visitation

A judge can also decide which extracurriculars to approve. For example, if you file a motion requesting to put the children in soccer and your ex disagrees, even though soccer only falls on your custodial days, the judge may grant your request.

Don't waste another day arguing with your ex about sports or other extracurricular activities for your children. 

Contact a local family attorney to learn more.