If Suzy’s lacrosse game runs long, it might make for a thrilling finish. But if the overtime encroaches upon the agreed-to visitation time of a divorced parent, it also can reignite simmering tensions over custody, cautions McCurley Orsinger McCurley Nelson & Downing LLP attorney Elizabeth Durso Branch.

“Extracurricular activities, particularly when they occur during visits with the non-custodial parent, can be the cause of a surprising amount of conflict,” she says, adding that custody orders should be as specific as possible to help defuse potential conflict.

Branch says that effective custody orders should require both parents to agree upon both the number and types of extracurricular activities a child can participate in. Updated copies of custody orders, a list of emergency contacts and any protective orders should be provided to the child’s school so that the administration will know with certainty who is authorized to pick a child up after school or remove them from classes during the day.