Summer Travel and Custody

Summer and summer vacations are meant to be enjoyable. Two parent households often have

a custody scheduled in place but the need to choose things like what the children will be doing

with their time off from school on a daily basis as well as when and how each parent will

structure their time

Things to think about:

Choosing your dates in advance

Looking at your schedule as early as January and mapping out your child/children’s plans can

assist in figuring out which week or weeks each parent would like to schedule their vacation.

Making sure you have looked at your individual custody schedule clarifying any confusion with

your co-parent or counsel can avoid any unnecessary arguments. This also allows for the kids

to have advanced notice of plan lowering anxiety and increasing excitement toward their

summer break and time with each parent.

Share your travel itinerary

Many parents feel this is not a necessary task. They feel it is their time and therefore they do

not have to communicate with their co-parent. It is important that each parent is aware of the

who, what, how, where, when of their child/children when they are “on vacation” with the

other parent. Reporting this in a timely manner can avoid many stressors for both parents and

most importantly the children. Try to remember to treat your co-parent as you would want to

be treated can go a long way in how you proceed.

Travel documents, clothing and equipment

Often trips require special documents, clothing or equipment. Making sure you notify your

coparent what is needed and when can avoid delay or not being able to follow through with

your plans day of departure. Travel is stressful under the best of circumstances so any

disruptions you avoid for you and your child are important. Making sure you have these tasks

completed well in advance of departure or picking up your child/children can assist in starting

your journey on a positive note.

Finally, remember to make all plans directly with your co-parent and do not discuss these plans

with your child/children unless they have been approved by both parents.