Planning holidays and vacations can be one of the most difficult aspects of co-parenting with an ex-spouse. Without proper planning, it’s easy for spring break to go from being a great time for spending quality time with your children to a contentious fight with your ex.
These tips can make spring break a breeze for you and your children.
Follow Your Custody Order
First, look and see if spring break is discussed in your custody order and parenting plan. If you and your ex-spouse decided on custody outside of the court, this may be more difficult. If you have spoken about spring break plans, be sure to have documentation proving when your child will be visiting at what time. This will help keep both you and your ex accountable, and a court can enforce it if needed.
Keep Your Ex-Spouse Updated
If you plan on going out of town for a vacation, keep your child’s other parent updated on your plans. They have a right to know what is going on, and it will keep their mind at ease. You don’t have to be in constant contact with them, but a quick update can mean a lot. This is good for building your relationship as a co-parent. Also, consider letting your child hop on a quick phone or video chat during this time as well.
Remember Your Child’s Needs Come First
Divorce is hard for children. Spring break should be a time where they don’t have to worry about that stress. Don’t fight with your ex-partner about who is getting custody. Instead, remember your child’s feelings and what will make them the happiest. If your ex has a great idea about how to spend the break and it would make your children happy, be a little flexible with your parenting plan and let them have custody for the week.
Respect Rights
Your ex has just as many rights to family time as you do if there are no custody restrictions already in place. So, if your ex has something fun to do with your children, let them, and hopefully, the favor will be returned when you have a vacation opportunity.
Divide the Week
If you and your ex are both staying in town, or neither of you have a full week off, consider splitting the week in half and having equal days to do something fun with your children. It is often easier to take two or three days off each than a full week. Alternatively, consider switching off each year. This way you and your ex always get the chance to spend this break with your children. This is a great option and is very common in custody arrangements.
If you need help with your parenting plan, do not hesitate to contact the San Diego child custody attorney at Embry Family Law today at (619) 485-6476.