Navigating a divorce with children is never easy, and figuring out a parenting plan for custody and visitation can be one of the most difficult aspects of a divorce. While families can get into a good rhythm during the school year, summer break allows for some changes to be made to the custody and visitation schedule. There are a number of ways that you can modify the summer schedule to meet your needs and those of your children. Talk to a family law attorney in your area today to learn more about your options for creating a summer vacation visitation schedule that works for everyone.

How to Modify a Summer Visitation Schedule

The creation of a summer break visitation schedule can be done informally by the parents or formally through the courts. If the parents are on good terms and can agree on how a summer schedule will operate, they can modify the schedule on their own for summer vacation without the need of court intervention. An attorney can draft up an informal agreement that dictates the terms of the summer schedule for the family.

If the parents cannot agree on the terms, one parent can formally request a modification through the court. The court will hear arguments for why a change is in the child’s best interests, and if it agrees to the change, the modifications will be decided by the court, not the parents. This runs the risk of changes being made to the schedule for the summer that do not work for the parents or the child’s activities and plans. However, this may be the best option if one parent does not agree to the changes or cannot be trusted to abide by the new schedule.

Options for Summer Vacation Visitation Schedules

For parents who agree to a change in the visitation schedule for summer vacation, there are many different options available. First and foremost, look at the summer schedule of the child to determine the best arrangement for their activities and needs. One common option is to switch parents’ schedules for the summer. If the noncustodial parent gets the child every other weekend during the school year, switch so that the child spends time with that parent and every other weekend with the custodial parent.

Another option is to give one parent all of summer break with the child. This works well if one parent lives a long distance away and does not get to see the child during the majority of the school year. You can create an entirely new schedule for summer break that works around the child’s activities, including blocking out time with one parent for vacations. Finally, it is important to note that parents can utilize one or all of these methods as the child grows and his or her needs change. These arrangements can alternate or change as the parents and child need them to change.

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Creating a summer vacation visitation schedule with your former spouse can benefit you and your children. Call or contact us to learn more about this article.