Divorce can raise the issue of who pays for summer camp. The subject usually includes questions about whether the children will attend the same camps they always have, whether they will have the flexibility to explore new, related opportunities as they get older, such as overnight camp or teen tours (which can be more expensive), and which parent will pay for what percentage of the costs. Below is an explanation of how Washington state approaches summer camp-related questions.
How does child support factor into who pays for summer camp after divorce?
Washington state law requires both parents to support their children during and after a divorce. The primary purpose of child support is to cover the child’s basic needs, which include housing and utilities, meals, health care, clothing, and other universal expenses associated with raising a child.
In many cases, needs can include expenses unique to that family, such as daycare, health insurance, out-of-pocket medical expenses, and other reasonable expenses specific to that child. Under Washington state law, “extraordinary expenses,” such as summer camp, are usually allocated between the parents.
Child Support When the Child’s Parents are Unmarried or Separated
Child support is an issue even if the child’s parents have never married or are separated. Regardless of marital status, one parent usually must pay the other a “transfer payment. ” The payment represents the paying parent’s contribution to supporting the household where the child primarily lives.
Most child support calculations are based on the parents’ respective incomes. When determining child support and each parent’s proportionate share, Washington courts use the parents’ combined income, with certain allowed deductions, to calculate child support based on the Washington Child Support Schedule enacted by Washington’s legislature.
Contested Matters
Where the sharing of extraordinary expenses is contested, statute and case law in Washington state require children’s “special expenses” to be shared in the same proportion as their basic child support obligation. There is some flexibility whereby parents can agree to share these expenses in a way other than this proportion as long as the court approves it. Should the court order a “deviation” from the child support calculation (either by issuing a higher amount than the standard calculation or a lower amount), the court’s authority would prevail even without an agreement between the parents.
Which Parent Must Advance Payment for Summer Camp
If there is uncertainty about which parent should pay upfront, the court will not automatically assign that responsibility to the parent receiving child support. Instead, the court will look at the best way to handle payments based on the following:
- The type of expense
- Whether one parent has a history of not paying their share on time
- Whether it makes sense to include the payment in the monthly support amount
- Whether there are tax benefits to having one parent make the payments
The court may also require each parent to pay their share directly to the service provider. In many cases, court orders state that if one parent pays the entire expense upfront, the other parent must quickly reimburse them for their share.
Mutual Agreement to Pay for Summer Camp
Washington law sets a specific formula and rules for calculating child support, including which types of income count and which deductions are allowed. Parents usually cannot simply decide on a support amount or how to split expenses; such agreements may not be accepted by the court or legally binding even if in writing.
The court will only approve a child support order if the amount follows the legal guidelines unless there is a valid reason for an exception and the household where the child primarily receives sufficient support. Child support is considered a child’s right, so neither parent can waive it.
Summer camp expenses are generally easier to manage than daycare or medical costs, which parents may have little control over. Where joint decision-making is required, parents can agree on camp choices, timing, budgets, and spending limits. However, it’s important to note that camp costs can involve far more than registration fees and include travel, equipment, or extra activities. Such ‘hidden costs’ are not always apparent, so it’s best to have a Washington family law attorney review any agreement before signing.
Without a clear court order, a parent is not obligated to reimburse the parent who pays for special expenses. Thus, one parent may end up paying for summer camp alone so that the children can enjoy that benefit. Child support agreements should be specific, easy to understand, and entered by the court to avoid such inequities.
When co-parents cannot agree on summer camp
While married, parents typically discuss summer camp plans, including costs, logistics, and transportation. However, these conversations can become more strained or nonexistent after separation.
Disagreements over summer camp can be frustrating. However, a well-written child support order can help prevent conflicts. Clear terms in a parenting plan, including decision-making rules and options for alternative dispute resolution, can also be helpful. The best approach is to have clear and detailed agreements entered with the court specifying cost-sharing, decision-making, and procedures for handling disputes should they arise.
Parents should consider how camp costs affect both households to reduce conflict and ensure camp schedules don’t interfere with each other’s time. They should also consider travel logistics. If a camp requires a child to be away for weeks during one parent’s parenting time, both parents must agree before committing.
Communication is paramount in this and other discussions of co-parenting after a divorce. Even if informal discussions work, agreements should be in writing — whether through texts, emails, or legal documents. Keeping the other parent informed can help maintain a cooperative relationship.
Notwithstanding the above, don’t make promises to your child before an agreement is reached. Parents, not children, should handle these decisions. Either parent can initiate dispute resolution remedies available in their parenting plan to solve disagreements, and as a last resort, even ask the court to step in. Kids should never feel pressured to take sides or be made responsible for resolving disputes between parents.
How to Find a Seattle Family Law Attorney to Help Decide the Question of Who Pays for Summer Camp After Divorce
At Elise Buie Family Law, we know that reducing conflict after divorce and facilitating cooperation between parents is integral to children’s well-being. Divorce agreements should focus on conflict resolution, long-term stability, and practical sustainability. We are here to support you. Call our Seattle office today to discuss your situation in more detail or schedule a time to speak.
