Spring Break Tips for Co-Parents With Shared Custody

Spring break requires extra planning, whether you are traveling or staying at home. For parents who share custody of children, spring break requires a little extra preparation. Before you start your spring break adventure, keep these three things in mind:

1. REVIEW YOUR PARENTING PLAN

Your parenting plan is your roadmap for planning your spring break vacation. When reviewing your parenting plan, ask yourself these questions:

1. Does your parenting plan specify spring break as a holiday? Or is spring break a regular parenting time week?
2. If you are traveling out of town, do you have to notify your co-parent? If so, how far in advance do you have to give your co-parent notice?
3. Do you need to provide your co-parent with a travel itinerary?
4. When does your spring break parenting time begin and end?
5. Do you share spring break with your co-parent? If you are dividing the week, have you discussed your plans with your co-parent?

2. COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR CO-PARENT

Your co-parent may be the last person you want to communicate with, however, communication is the key to a successful spring break vacation. If you communicate effectively with your co-parent regarding your plans, it will help in avoiding disagreements or conflict as your trip approaches.

While verbal communication may be easiest, it is always a good idea to document your communication in writing.

Most importantly, keep all communication focused on your children.

3. BE FLEXIBLE

Being flexible about your plans does not mean that you should not start with a set of rules, i.e. your parenting plan. Instead, flexibility means that you are willing to bend the set of rules when it is in your children’s best interest to do so. You may need to work with your co-parent to make minor adjustments for the spring break holiday. Remember to make all changes, even minor changes, in writing.

If you have questions about child custody, parenting plans, or another divorce and family law matter, our team at The Harris Law Firm is here to help. Contact us to speak personally with an attorney.