Divorced Parents Urged To Have This 1 Conversation Before Summer Holidays

Have you spoken to your ex about childcare costs over the summer?The summer holidays are an expensive time for parents. Between the days out, paying for extra food and footing bigger bills with the kids being home, it can soon add up.In fact, research from Lloyds has found the majority of parents (77%) spend more during the school holiday period – we’re talking an extra £500 over the six weeks.For those who are co-parenting, Rebecca Cliff, a family solicitor at Slater and Gordon, stresses that now is the time to discuss with your ex who is paying for what over the summer holidays. “For couples who are separated, maintenance arrangements are probably already in place to support the child and contribute to the costs of their lives – so accommodation, food, clothing and so on,” said Cliff.“But when more money is required to finance activities, over and above what has already been agreed, it can be more of a grey area.”Who’s paying for clubs and camps? What about days out to theme parks or trips to the cinema? All of these things can soon add up – and if one parent has the child in their care for more days each week, they will likely end up footing most of the bill.So, what should co-parents know?The solicitor said that whether a parent should contribute more than they would do in a usual month to cover the cost of specific activities during the holiday period is “more of a moral question”.“Most parents probably wouldn’t want their child to miss out on an activity they really want to take part in – but there is nothing to compel them to pay for it,” she explained.In her experience, dilemmas can often arise when, for example, a child wants to attend an expensive residential trip.“If that activity falls in the time they are meant to spend with their mum, then should mum pay for it herself? Dad may be expected to contribute, but legally he doesn’t have to,” she explained.The most important thing here is negotiation and making arrangements amicably – so, the solicitor notes planning in advance is “very important”.“If parents can communicate about plans for the summer in advance, and agree what is possible and affordable for them both, then that can ensure the child has certainty around what their holidays will entail,” she said.When you can’t agree on who pays for whatThere may be instances where one parent really wants their child to take part in something, or go on a trip, but the other parent can’t or won’t share the cost. In this instance, Cliff said specialist family lawyers can step in to help – “the last thing anyone wants is for relations to deteriorate and impact on the child’s eagerly-awaited summer holidays,” she added, “so seek expert assistance if that is needed”.If you’re worried about money over the holidaysIf you’re concerned about the extra costs which can accumulate over the six-week break, Lloyds recommends having a pre-planned budget in place and sticking to it. “Having a budget in place before the holidays start can help you to plan out what you can, and can’t, afford to spend this summer,” explains Ola Majekodunmi, Lloyds’ money expert. “This should include all the essentials, such as activities, food and transport.“Breaking your budget down for each week – with the help of handy budgeting apps – can also make your spending easier to track and control.”If you’ve got time off with the kids, planning days out at local parks, museums and community events can help save some pennies. “Sites such as Time Out offer great breakdowns of activities and events that will be taking place across the country this summer,” she said. Taking your own snacks and packing lunches for days out can also be a great way to keep costs low, as can alternating playdates with close friends and family members.The money pro concluded: “If you’re struggling financially, be sure to check out the government website, as well as your local council and charities for extra support.“Many organisations often provide free meals or subsidised activities during the school holidays, so don’t forget to take advantage of these opportunities to help ease your holiday budget.”Related...I'm Stressing About Summer Holiday Childcare – What Are My Options?'My Husband Said We'd Split Childcare, Now He Wants Me To Be A Stay-At-Home Mum'Parents Of Special Educational Needs Children Are Being Let Down By Lack Of Wraparound Childcare

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