Even a relatively easy, civil divorce can bring significant changes to a family’s routine when there are children involved. If you recently went through a divorce, the approaching summer vacation may make you feel anxious as you envision co-parenting throughout the vacation months. Without the structure of the school year, you will need to navigate a different dynamic to ensure that your children enjoy the break without any of you experiencing unnecessary stress. To help get you started, a Murfreesboro divorce attorney at Bennett | Michael | Hornsby discusses how to handle summer vacation with children following a
divorce.
Make Sure You Understand and Follow the Parenting Plan
The first step in handling summer vacation after a divorce is to review your Parenting Plan to ensure that you understand the terms of the plan. Your Parenting Plan was created during the divorce and the terms of that plan are considered orders of the court once the divorce is final. In most cases, a Parenting Plan includes specific provisions for summer breaks, including how time is divided, when vacation requests must be submitted, and how travel should be coordinated.
If your Parenting Plan includes a set schedule, make sure you understand that schedule and are prepared to follow it. If you wish to make any changes to the schedule, now is the time to do so, either by agreement with your former spouse or by petitioning the court. If the plan allows flexibility, start discussing summer plans now with your former spouse and co-parent. Not only does planning ahead give both parents time to coordinate vacations, summer camps, and other activities, but your Parenting Plan may require you to provide notice to the other parent.
Be Willing to Compromise
Flexibility can be the key to lowering your stress level during the summer vacation months. While it is important to advocate for time with your child, it can also be important to recognize that both parents may want to travel and/or spend extended time with the child(ren). Being willing to compromise can foster a cooperative co-parenting relationship and reduce tension. Also remember that, although you are never required to give up court ordered time with your child(ren), the court will look at whether you have been reasonable under the circumstances if the issue ends up in front of a judge.
The Child(ren)’s Needs Should Come First
Summer should be a time for your child(ren) to relax and have fun which means that, as a parent, you should focus on what will benefit them emotionally, socially, and developmentally. Avoid putting your child in the middle of disagreements or looking at summer vacation as a battleground. Ideally, you should encourage your child to enjoy their time with the other parent, regardless of your own personal feelings toward your former spouse.
Communicate Openly and Respectfully
Open, clear, and respectful communication between co-parents is essential for everyone involved when it comes to getting through the summer vacation months. While you may not be legally required to do so, sharing information about your vacation plans, travel dates, lodging details, and emergency contacts shows that you are attempting to be cooperative and putting the children first. If a new romantic partner (or other adults) will be involved in the vacation, it is also best to address that issue up front. Again, you may not be required to do so; however, being open and honest about it up front can prevent arguments down the road that might negatively impact the child(ren). When communicating with your former spouse, always do so in writing through emails or shared calendars. Not only does this help avoid misunderstandings, but it can also be used as evidence of your cooperation and/or adherence to Parenting Plan provisions should it be needed in the future.
Consider Updating the Parenting Plan if Needed
If your divorce occurred several years ago, it may be time to revisit the terms of the Parenting Plan. As children grow and family circumstances change, you may find that the existing summer schedule no longer works well. If you and your former spouse are able to reach an agreement on the changes, you can modify the Parenting Plan relatively easily by submitting an agreed entry. If an agreement cannot be reached, however, you may need to speak to an experienced divorce attorney to discuss your legal options.
Contact a Murfreesboro Divorce Attorney
If you have additional questions about how to handle summer vacation with children following a divorce in Tennessee, consult with an experienced Murfreesboro divorce attorney at Bennett | Michael | Hornsby as soon as possible. Contact the team today by calling 615-898-1560 to schedule your free appointment.
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