The sun is here to stay, and the school year is reaching its home stretch. That means that soon enough, the kids will be on summer vacation (lucky them!).
For divorced parents with shared custody, summer vacation can be one of the most stressful times of the year. Parenting time can become a huge source of conflict, especially when one parent plans a vacation that takes the children far from the other parent.
Tips for Divorced Parents and Summer Vacation
Generally speaking, it is always best to inform the other parent if you are taking the children on vacation. In some cases, you may be legally obligated to do so: for example, if the vacation cuts into the other parent’s parenting time.
If your vacation will not involve crossing state borders and occurs during your parenting time permission is not normally required. However, notification is usually a requirement, including contact information for where the children can be reached. Many parenting plans will require notification to the other parent if the parenting time parent intends to take the children on any overnight trip longer than a weekend.
If you plan on visiting another state, depending on your parenting plan you may be required to get permission from the other parent or from the court. Restrictions on this tend to depend on the circumstances of your family history.
If you are going to leave the country, many parenting plans require the permission of the other parent, because the child will be outside of court jurisdiction as well as state and federal jurisdictions.
If vacation planning is presenting you with confusion, speaking to your family law attorney could help alleviate your concerns.
Divorce Matters ”“ Denver Family Law Attorneys
