Summer means a lot of things including warmer temperatures, vacations, and a break from school for most children. To divorced parents, however, summer can be a source of contention and may make you want to revisit your time-sharing agreement. Former spouses may disagree regarding many aspects of a child’s summer break, but vacations can become especially problematic for divorced parents. Disagreements over the location and timing of vacations can easily lead to larger battles. By following a few simple steps, it is possible for divorced parents to avoid a summer vacation battle.
First, parents can plan ahead by creating a vacation schedule. Generally, when parents fail to make a vacation schedule either parent may take a child anywhere that is not restricted by the former couple’s custody agreement. By discussing parental concerns regarding the location, timing, and other vacation matters, former spouses have to opportunity respond to one another’s concerns before a disagreement arises. Once divorced parents come to an agreement regarding a vacation schedule, it is also important to follow the agreed upon plan where possible. If parents cannot agree on a vacation schedule, mediating the matter in front of a neutral third-party such as a child custody attorney may also be an option to consider.
No matter the subject, it is vital for divorced parents to maintain an open line of communication with one another. If vacation plans that involve children happen to change, the vacationing parent should notify their child’s other parent s soon as possible. For safety reasons, a former spouse should be kept informed of the location of the vacation, the length of the holiday, and the best way to reach their child in the event of an unexpected emergency. By doing this, the vacationing parent can also avoid explaining to a family court judge why important information regarding a child’s whereabouts was not disclosed to the child’s other parent.
Where necessary, a parent may choose to involve the courts in a dispute over vacation time. Normally, a child custody agreement will outline the amount of vacation time each parent will have with their children as well as the amount of notice that must be provided to the other parent prior to leaving on a trip. Travel locations may also be limited by a time-sharing agreement. Even where parents agree upon a vacation schedule, they may choose ensure an agreement is binding by submitting it to a family court for approval.
Since October 2008, divorcing parents of minor children in Florida must enter into a time-sharing agreement. A time-sharing agreement will state exactly how much time each parent will spend with their child including overnights, weekends, school breaks, and holidays. If a child’s parents cannot reach an agreement regarding a time-sharing schedule, a family court will create a schedule for them.
If you are a divorced parent with concerns about child custody, contact attorney Sandy T. Fox today. He is a skilled Aventura child custody lawyer who focuses his practice exclusively on family law matters. Mr. Fox is available to explain your rights as a parent and help you file your family law case. He is also available to answer any questions you may have regarding divorce, alimony, child support, paternity, adoption, and parenting coordination matters. If you would like assistance with a family law matter in South Florida, do not hesitate to call attorney Sandy T. Fox toll free at (800) 596-0579 or contact him through his website.
More Blog Posts:
Fisher Island Father Jailed for Contempt in Miami-Dade After He Allows His 16-Year-Old Son to Marry, Fort Lauderdale Divorce Lawyer Blog, July 13, 2012
Parenting Coordination Increasingly Used Following Florida Divorces, Fort Lauderdale Divorce Lawyer Blog, July 6, 2012
Additional Resources:
Summer Vacation And Child Custody Agreements, by Liz Mandarano, Huffington Post