As summer approaches, many parents are faced with the issue of custody during vacations. Whether you spend summer in your town or take off on a trip miles from home, it is important to have a clear understanding of how to navigate child custody laws and ensure that both you and your kids are able to enjoy summer together.
In this blog, we will discuss some of the key factors to consider when planning summer vacations. These include special circumstances, such as summer custody schedules for divorced or separated parents, as well as practical tips on how to prepare documents and communicate effectively with your ex-spouse or partner.
Here are our top tips for summer visitation and custody:
Review Your Custody Agreement or Order
The first step is to review your custody agreement or court order to determine what your rights and responsibilities are during summer vacation. If you have joint custody, you will need to work with your ex-partner to come up with a summer custody plan that works for both of you.
Your custody agreement or order may include specific provisions for summer vacation, such as how summer vacation will be divided between the parents, or which parent will have custody during summer break. If your agreement does not specifically address summer vacation, you may use the general custody provisions to create a summer custody plan.
Consider Special Circumstances
Summer custody arrangements may be different than your regular custody schedule. For example, it may be best if your children spend the summer months with one parent and school breaks with the other, or if you plan to travel extensively with your kids during summer vacation. In these cases, it is important to work closely with your ex-spouse or partner to ensure that summer custody arrangements are fair and agreed upon.
Other special circumstances may include summer camps, summer school, or extracurricular activities. If your children are enrolled in summer activities, you will need to work with your ex-spouse or partner to determine how custody will be divided between the parents.
Communicate in Advance
If you are planning summer trips or vacations, it is important to communicate your plans with your ex-spouse or partner in advance. Make sure to provide detailed information about your travel itinerary, including dates, destination, and contact information. You should also consider preparing a summer custody agreement that outlines how any potential injuries or medical issues may be handled while you are away.
Summer custody arrangements can be stressful and emotional, especially if you have a history of conflict or animosity with your ex-spouse or partner. To avoid any misunderstandings or disagreements, it is important to communicate clearly and respectfully at all times. This means setting aside your own emotions and focusing on the best interests of your children, even when things get difficult.
Seek Counsel
If you are going through a custody dispute, it is important to seek legal counsel to review your specific situation and develop a summer custody plan that is in the best interests of your children. A skilled family law attorney can help you navigate summer custody arrangements and protect your rights as a parent.
Whether you are going through a divorce or trying to work out summer custody plans with an ex-partner, it is important to seek legal counsel to ensure that your children’s best interests are prioritized at all times. If you need assistance navigating summer custody laws and summer visitation disputes, contact a family law attorney today.
By following these tips and seeking legal counsel when necessary, you can ensure a smooth summer custody process and make the most of your time with your children. Feel free to contact Chung & Ignacio, LLP at (909) 726-7112 for any questions. We look forward to helping you.