Before summer break, review the Silverman Thompson family law team’s co-parenting checklist to ensure there are no logistical surprises when school gets out.
Review Legal Agreements
- Review your Parenting Plan, Marital Settlement Agreement, or other Agreement for vacation provisions
- Review any Orders and/or Judgment of Absolute Divorce for vacation guidelines
Track Important Deadlines
- Note all deadlines for providing vacation dates to the other parent
- Mark deadlines on your calendar for when you must receive their proposed dates
Coordinate with School & Activities
- Check the school calendar for end-of-year dates and fall start dates
- Review camp/activity schedules to avoid conflicts
Holiday & Regular Schedule Considerations
- Verify who has custody for Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day this year
- Ensure vacation dates do not overlap with the other parent’s designated holiday time
- Factor in your regular parenting schedule, including weekend time if required by your agreement or court order
Select & Communicate Vacation Dates
- Choose your vacation dates and put them in writing for the other parent well before the deadline
- Follow up to confirm receipt of your proposed dates
- If using a co-parenting app like Our Family Wizard, check for a read receipt to make sure information was received
Provide Vacation Details (if required or as a courtesy)
- Destination
- Dates of travel
- Mode of travel (e.g., flight info, road trip)
- Address where the child will be staying
Communicate
- If there are travel delays or other changes to the travel plan, communicate with the other parent
- A little courtesy goes a long way, and hopefully, your co-parent will return the favor
If your Agreement or Court Order does not specify your summer access and/or you continue to have difficulty arranging vacation time, please contact Monica Scherer and Silverman Thompson to find out how we can assist
You can reach Ms. Scherer and the family law team at mscherer@silvermanthompson.com or toll-free at 800-385-2243.