Summer Plans and Custody Agreements
As parents and kids look forward to the summer months, newly-divorced parents may be looking for some answers: how do we navigate the changing schedules of summer? How do we navigate international travel without the other parent? An optimal time to be pondering these questions is actually prior to the divorce and custody agreements being finalized – because working through how you are going to manage the summer schedule and travel is likely found in that custody agreement.
What Can I Do with My Kids During the Summer?
What you are able to do with your kids during the summer break, and precisely what the custody/visitation schedule will be, depends on your custody order and parenting agreement.
If your agreement/order is very lax and vague, you and your ex will have the freedom to work out whatever you like. If you have a more firm and fixed agreement, ensure that you understand the parameters and limitations placed on you in the agreement. Hopefully your agreement works in the possibility for flexibility, and you can nearly always try to work out exceptions with your ex. But it is always a good idea to review the agreement and understand what days and times you are scheduled to have your kids. That way you can try to plan as best you can in accordance with the agreement already in place.
It is a good idea to speak with your spouse as well, if you have a relationship that would enable that kind of conversation, to anticipate in advance any changes to the schedule that they anticipate needing to make.
For example, does the parenting plan say that you are to have the kids on the fourth of July weekend this year, but your spouse’s family is set to have a reunion at that time? Talking about this in advance can help give both parents the ability to fairly arrange important dates. It is also an important opportunity to discuss out of the ordinary circumstances, such as potential travel. What does your agreement say about out of state travel with the kids? Out of the country travel? You may need to notify your spouse before you jet-set off with the kids. Additionally, it is important to look up the rules and regulations of the country you are traveling to as some countries require a written letter of consent from the non-traveling parent in order for the children to pass through customs.
What About In-State Travel?
Every situation is different. However, most parenting plans and custody agreements allow for travel within-state. This means that most parents would be just fine to travel with their kids to an in-state amusement park, for instance. This is, of course, so long as that travel and time fits within the time allotted. You also need to ensure your parenting agreement allows for what you are planning.
Before you really do anything, ensure that you read and understand your parenting agreement and any other custody documents. They are the best source for explaining your rights, and may even provide an established process for resolving any future disputes if they come up.
Contact Cardwell, Steigerwald Young
The esteemed San Francisco child custody and visitation lawyers at Cardwell Steigerwald Young can help you craft a parenting time agreement that works for you – or help you understand the rules and processes you are currently operating under in your existing agreement or court order. Contact our office today to begin working with our team.
Sources:
selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/child-custody
findlaw.com/state/california-law/california-child-custody-laws.html
