Splitting Custody During School Breaks
For divorced parents, splitting time with a child during school breaks can be challenging. Both parents want to spend time with a child, so how do they decide who can take them on vacation or sign them up for camp? These are issues that should be planned in advance to avoid conflict so parents and their children know what to expect. Keep reading to find out how to effectively split custody during your child’s school breaks.
Why It’s Important to Plan Ahead
Children look forward to their school breaks all year long, and, as a parent, you want to take this opportunity to either spend quality time with them, give them new experiences, or see their relatives. To ensure no surprises arise, throwing a wrench in your plans, you and your co-parent need to plan ahead and work out a custody schedule that is consistent, practical, and fair.
When planning ahead, it is also important to consider your child’s needs and interests. Children need time to decompress, so keep their needs in mind as you and your ex discuss how you plan on splitting custody during their break.
Factors to Consider When Splitting Custody
There are many factors that parents should consider when splitting custody during school breaks, which include:
- The length of the school break
- The developmental needs of the child
- The age of the child
- The location of the parent’s homes and travel logistics
- Any existing custody agreements or court orders
- Family traditions and gatherings
Options for Splitting Custody During School Breaks
Children get several breaks throughout the school year, so there are many ways for parents to alternate who gets to spend time with them. It is important for parents to communicate, cooperate, and be willing to compromise when working on an arrangement that serves the best interests of their child. Although these matters have the potential to become contentious, try to avoid conflicts and put the needs of your child first.
These are some options that could work when splitting custody during school breaks:
- Alternate weeks or days
- Split the break in half
- Ask your child where they want to spend their break
- Co-parent during your child’s break
Legal Considerations
Oftentimes, during child custody disputes, a holiday schedule may be created, so it is possible you may already have this matter addressed in your custody agreement. Make sure you understand what is in your court order and if there are any travel restrictions before you begin making plans to take your child on vacation. If you are unsure about any stipulations or judgments, have a conversation with your co-parent or reach out to a family law attorney.
It is also important not to communicate any plans to your child until you and your co-parent agree on them. You do not want to make any promises to your child that you cannot keep.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a San Diego Child Custody Attorney
If you need legal advice on how to split school breaks with your co-parent, you should contact a child custody lawyer in San Diego to help guide you through it. Child-related matters can be some of the most difficult to navigate, so having compassionate legal counsel and a cooperative attitude is important when it comes to achieving a result that works for you and serves your child’s best interests. At Mattis Law, A.P.C., our top-tier law firm is committed to helping families get through some of the most challenging legal issues and could give you the advice you need to resolve your child custody matter.
Call us today at (858) 328-4400 to schedule a free initial case evaluation.