For many families, summer means vacations, camps, beach days, and a break from the usual school-year routine. For divorced or separated parents, however, summer can also bring questions (and sometimes conflict) about schedules, travel, and parenting time. The good news? A little planning now can help everyone, especially the children, enjoy a much smoother summer.
Review Your Parenting Plan Early
Many custody agreements contain special provisions for summer vacations. Some allow each parent a certain number of uninterrupted vacation weeks, while others require advance written notice of travel plans (or some combination of both).
Don’t wait until the end of school to dust off your agreement! Review it now so you know:
- How much vacation time each parent has;
- Whether there are deadlines for providing notice;
- Any restrictions on out-of-state or international travel;
- Transportation responsibilities and exchange locations
If something is unclear, it’s better to address it before deposits are paid and suitcases are packed!
Communicate Plans Clearly
Even if you and your co-parent have an excellent relationship, putting plans in writing can prevent misunderstandings.
Share important details such as:
- Travel dates
- Destination information
- Flight or transportation details
- Emergency contact numbers
- Camp schedules or special activities
A simple email or message through your co-parenting app can go a long way toward avoiding disputes later.
Remember That Camps and Activities Count Too
Summer isn’t just about vacations. Children often have sports, camps, tutoring programs, or other activities that require coordination between households. Whenever possible, discuss these commitments in advance. Make sure both parents know pickup and drop-off times, equipment needs, and any associated costs. The focus should remain on allowing your child to participate and enjoy their summer—not on whose parenting time it falls under.
Traveling Out of State or Internationally
Many parenting plans allow travel, but require notice to the other parent. Keep in mind that international travel may involve additional considerations, including passports and written consent. If you are planning a trip outside the country, check your court orders well in advance. If you wait until the week before departure to resolve a disagreement, it may create unnecessary stress and may even jeopardize your travel plans.
Be Flexible When You Can
Life happens. Flights get delayed. Camps change schedules. Family reunions pop up. While court orders provide the framework, a little flexibility can often benefit everyone involved. Parents who work together to accommodate reasonable requests often find that cooperation is returned when they need it. Most importantly, children notice when their parents are able to put aside conflict and focus on making happy memories.
When Parents Can’t Agree
Unfortunately, summer scheduling disputes are common. One parent may book a vacation during the other’s designated time, refuse to provide travel information, or disagree about camps and activities. If you find yourself in that situation, try to address the issue calmly and document your communications. Sometimes a simple conversation can resolve the problem. Other times, legal guidance may be necessary to understand your rights and obligations under your existing orders.
The Bottom Line
Summer should be about creating memories—not creating conflict. By reviewing your parenting plan, communicating early, and keeping your child’s best interests at the center of every decision, divorced and separated parents can help ensure that everyone enjoys a safe, fun, and stress-free summer. At Wolf & Shore Law Group, we regularly help parents navigate custody and parenting-time issues throughout every season of life. If you have questions about your existing orders or need assistance modifying a parenting plan, our team is here to help. Contact us today at 203.745.3151 or info@wolfandshorelawgroup.com. Ever Argue with a Woman?
