Sun, Fun, and Family Matters: How to Make Sure a Custody Agreement Doesn’t Derail Your Spring and Summer Family Plans

Spring break is a time when families look forward to time spent relaxing, reconnecting, and enjoying being away from work, school, and other daily obligations.

But for families that are splitting custody duties, planning vacation times can come with an additional layer of complexity due to lack of communication, lack of clarity, and even lack of consistency when it comes to the follow-through of parenting and custody plans.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Holidays and vacations with your children are a time to play, relax and make memories, but can become complicated after a divorce.
• Custody agreements are an important part of a divorce decree and should be designed with the best interests of the children in mind.
• Having a skilled attorney help create your custody agreement is the best way to make sure that no surprises arise and everyone is on board with the terms and conditions from the beginning.

Spending time with your children is an important part of every parent’s bonding experience. 

That said, parents who are divorced need to be especially cognizant of any parenting plans that have been put into place. 

When it comes to holidays and school breaks, this can sometimes become tricky. If both parents are not on the same page, it can result in confusion, hurt feelings, and perhaps even legal action.

As spring breaks and summer holidays are quickly approaching, here are some key factors that need to be considered in order to make sure conflicts are avoided and a stress-free holiday is fun for everyone.

Understanding Your Custody Agreement

The first step in ensuring your upcoming plans don’t get derailed is to make sure you thoroughly understand your current custody agreement. Custody agreements can vary widely, and it’s essential to know the specific terms and provisions that apply to your situation. 

Pay particular attention to the following aspects:

• Holiday Schedule: Review the holiday schedule outlined in your custody agreement. Most agreements have specific provisions for holidays, such as alternating years or one parent getting priority based on religious reasons or extended family needs. Make sure you are clear about the guidelines so there is no confusion later.
• Notice Requirements: Check if there are any notice requirements for travel plans. Some agreements may require you to inform the other parent a certain number of days or weeks in advance.
• Travel Restrictions: Be aware of any travel restrictions, such as limitations on out-of-state or international travel. Ensure you comply with these restrictions to avoid legal complications.

Communicate Early and Often

Communication is key when it comes to co-parenting, especially during school vacations and holidays. 

Start the conversation about vacation and holiday plans early to allow ample time for discussion and adjustments. 

Here are some tips for effective communication:

• Initiate the Discussion: Reach out to the other parent well in advance of spring break to discuss your plans. This shows respect for their time and consideration for their schedule.
• Be Clear and Specific: Clearly outline your proposed plans, including dates, destinations, and activities. Provide as much detail as possible to avoid misunderstandings.
• Listen and Compromise: Be open to the other parent’s input and willing to compromise. If a conflict arises, a mutually agreeable solution will help prevent the situation from escalating into something bigger.

Plan Ahead for Documentation

After a divorce, it’s always a good idea to have certain types of documentation in order before you travel with children. This is especially true for out-of-state or international travel. Make sure you have the following documents ready:

• Consent Forms: Some destinations may require a notarized consent form from the non-traveling parent, giving permission for the child to travel.
• Custody Agreement Copy: Keep a copy of your custody agreement with you while traveling. This can be useful in case any questions or issues arise during your trip.
• Identification and Passports: Ensure that your child’s identification and passports are up to date and readily accessible.

Consider the Child’s Best Interests

While it’s exciting to plan time you’re going to spend with your kids, it’s also important to keep in mind what’s best (and most fun!)  for them. 

Depending on their age and/or level of activities, you may want to consult with them and give them a chance to be involved in decisions surrounding vacation plans, holidays and time spent with one parent or the other.

Taking your children’s comfort and specific needs into consideration will make the time with you much more enjoyable for them. It will also result in a more harmonious relationship between you and your ex, if you both are doing your best to put your children’s wants and needs first.

Here are some additional tips:

• Think About Age-Appropriate Activities: Choose activities and destinations that are suitable for your child’s age and interests.
• Maintain Routines: Try to maintain your child’s routine as much as possible, including meal times, bedtimes, and any necessary medical care.
• Ensure Everyone’s Safety: Prioritize safety by researching your destination, booking reliable accommodations, and keeping emergency contact information handy.

Seek Legal Advice if Necessary

Sometimes, even the best laid plans result in conflict and dissatisfaction.

Even with a well-designed, thoughtful custody agreement in place, not everyone is always going to be willing to play by the rules.

In these cases, a family law attorney may need to be brought on board. Family law attorneys are excellent at helping to create as well as execute custody agreements. They can also be valuable when situations arise that call for the amending of an already existing parenting plan.

If you find yourself in a situation where a parenting plan isn’t being honored and no resolution can be found, don’t hesitate to seek the help of a good attorney. 

They can provide the expertise needed to navigate any complexities that arise with parenting plans and ensure that your rights and those of your children are always protected. 

When Your Custody Plans Call for Legal Counsel, Call on the Law Office of Geigle | Morales for Help

Navigating custody agreements during spring break or any upcoming holiday doesn’t have to be a hassle…particularly when you have good legal counsel by your side.

At Geigle | Morales, we can help you create a custody agreement that makes sure you have the time with your children you want. And if an already-established agreement is not being honored, we can solve that as well. 

Our attorneys are well-skilled in helping turn conflict into collaboration and finding ways that make sure your agreements are honored and your children are a priority.

If you find yourself in a situation where legal help is needed, reach out to us today. Don’t let your time with your children be taken away.

Let us help you ensure that the vacation or holiday time you’ve all looked forward to is exactly as you planned.