Summer Travel and Custody
Summer and summer vacations are meant to be enjoyable. Two parent households often have a custody schedule in place, but need to choose things like what the children will be doing with their time off from school on a daily basis as well as when and how each parent will structure their time. Here are a few things to consider when planning:
Choose your Dates in Advance
Looking at your schedule as early as January and mapping out your child/children’s plans can assist in figuring out which week or weeks each parent would like to schedule their vacation. Making sure you have looked at your individual custody schedule clarifying any confusion with your co-parent or counsel can avoid any unnecessary arguments. This also allows for the kids to have advanced notice of plan lowering anxiety and increasing excitement toward their summer break and time with each parent.
Share your Travel Itinerary
Many parents feel this is not a necessary task. They feel it is their time and therefore they do not have to communicate with their co-parent. It is important that each parent is aware of the who, what, how, where, when of their child/children when they are “on vacation” with the other parent. Reporting this in a timely manner can avoid many stressors for both parents and most importantly the children. Try to remember to treat your co-parent as you would want to be treated can go a long way in how you proceed.
Travel Documents, Clothing and Equipment
Often trips require special documents, clothing or equipment. Making sure you notify your coparent what is needed and when can avoid delay or not being able to follow through with your plans day of departure. Travel is stressful under the best of circumstances so any disruptions you avoid for you and your child are important. Making sure you have these tasks completed well in advance of departure or picking up your child/children can assist in starting your journey on a positive note.
Finally, remember to make all plans directly with your co-parent and do not discuss these plans with your child/children unless they have been approved by both parents.
