Child Custody Agreements and Summer Vacation Planning

Summer is the perfect time for a family vacation. Yet, as a divorced parent, how do you plan the perfect summer vacay around your child custody agreement? Here are a few necessary steps you should take.

First Things First: Check Your Custody Agreement

Before you start planning, check your child custody agreement. Do both you and your ex-spouse have specific dates each year for vacations? Or, do you have unspecified vacation time to use any time throughout the year? Understanding your agreement will help you decide how to move forward.

If you have unspecified vacations, give your ex-spouse at least a few weeks’ notice before your vacation. If there are scheduling conflicts, it’s best to work them out in advance.

Communicate With Your Ex-Spouse

For all vacations, make sure you communicate specifics with your ex-spouse. You’ll want clear ground rules in place to ensure the safety of your children. 

Some questions you and your ex-spouse should discuss include:

  • Are you able to leave the state or the country? 
  • Do you need to provide a travel itinerary to your ex-spouse?
  • Are there certain activities your child shouldn’t take part in?
  • What should be done in case of an emergency?
  • Will the other spouse receive additional days with the child to make up for the vacation?

Once you have this initial discussion, it’s best to create a plan to use for next time you decide to take a trip. Your family law attorney can help you modify your child custody agreement to include these specifics.

Remember to Be Reasonable

It’s best to be open and reasonable with your ex-spouse when vacation planning. Try your best to not schedule vacations during important events such as holidays, especially if it’s your spouse’s time with the children. Remember to keep your child’s best interests in mind at all times.

Call Schneider Law Firm, P.C. for Custody Help

Are you struggling with balancing a child custody agreement with vacation planning? Our team of family law attorneys can help. To learn more about child custody or to speak with an attorney, give our Ft. Worth law firm a call at 817-755-1852 or send us a message.

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