Summer vacation is right around the corner. Taking a vacation sounds like a relaxing prospect, right? Yet, this idea does not always seem appealing to the parent of a child who is scheduled to take a vacation with his or her other parent. There are significant stresses and even dangers that can accompany your child going on vacation with his or her other parent. As a result, it is wise for parents staying home to mentally and physically prepare for this event.

It is important that vacation plans are made in accordance with any restrictions outlined in your parenting plan. If your co-parent wants to take your child on a vacation during a time that your parenting plan grants time with your child to you, you absolutely have a right to object. Simply because your co-parent wants to take your child on vacation does not mean that you have to agree if these plans conflict with an arrangement made in your parenting plan.

With that said, being flexible is often a good course of action to take if your relationship with your co-parent is generally positive and his or her plans do not conflict too badly with your own. If you believe that your children will be safe with their co-parents, helping to make the experience fun and stress-free for all involved can only serve to benefit your children directly.

However, if you do not believe that your children will be safe with their co-parent, speak with an experienced family law attorney before the vacation occurs. If your co-parent is at all at risk of taking your children out of the country, it could be surprisingly difficult to get them back. When concerned about this possibility, err on the side of caution and obtain some legal counsel before allowing them to go.

If you have any questions about your parenting plan or custody situation, don’t hesitate to reach out to our firm.

Source: Huffington Post, “Sending the Kids on Summer Vacation With Their Other Parent,” Marie Hartwell-Walker