Considerations for summer parenting plans

Summer means time off from school, family vacations and a lot of fun. For parents who have split up, being able to make summer plans means understanding what’s included in the parenting plan. This can have an impact on many aspects of summer, particularly vacation plans. 

Many parents opt to take longer trips, travel internationally, and spend extended time away from home. But all of those must be carefully planned for those who are splitting the summer with the child’s other parent. 

Consult the parenting plan
Parenting plans are often built around the school schedule. They’re focused on providing the child with consistency. When summer arrives, the structure loosens some, but it never completely goes away. Consulting the parenting plan before making any arrangements for the summer can help parents to avoid any conflicts. 

Scheduling is one area where tension shows up. Summer weeks are limited, and those may have to be shared by both parents. This is where having a customized plan can help. For example, some parents may rotate which parent gets priority each summer. Others may rely more on the parents coordinating their time. 

Communication is one of the biggest challenges in these cases. Sitting down to set the dates for travel as early as possible is beneficial. If you and your ex can discuss the dates and plans ahead of time, it might be possible to work together so the children can enjoy vacations with both parents. 

Parents who are planning an international trip with their child also have to ensure that they have the proper documentation to do this. This includes getting the child a passport and having permission from the other parent to take the child out of the country. Requirements vary by country, so learning about each destination’s requirements is critical. 

Understanding the requirements for trips and other aspects of summer vacations can make the planning process easier. It may be beneficial to work with someone who’s familiar with these matters so they can help you to determine the options you have to get the parenting plan set in a way that’s most beneficial for your children.

Vernier & Associates, PLLC

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