Sunshine, swimming pools, and trips to the beach often mean summer break is here. No school, new routines, and families adjusting to longer days and later morning. Summer break also means that vacation season is upon us.
Make sure your summer break is fun in the sun by being prepared to handle summer vacations. Avoid conflicts with your former spouse about the way you choose to spend your summer vacation, by preparing some some summer vacation guidelines. You can avoid chaos with your family and former spouse, and make sure everyone has a great summer.
- Communication is key
Your JPA agreement was put in place to outline parenting parameters and this typically includes summer vacation schedules. Make sure that you are communicating all agreed upon information as soon as possible. Discussing your vacation plans with the other parent will ensure parents and kids know where the children will be during the break.
If an unforeseen circumstance requires you defer from your JPA, make sure you notify the other parent ASAP!! If one parent fails to provide thorough vacation plans, it may be within the other parent’s rights to take legal action. It is best to communicate all information required by your JPA, prior to any conflict.
- Set up a vacation schedule
Setting up a vacation plan with your ex keeps everyone informed and creates stability. Schedule a meeting with your former spouse to agree on a plan for the summer vacation. Once the schedule is set up, its your job to make sure everyone sticks to it.
- Mediation is the next best option
Sometimes parents are in a high conflict situation, and mediation is the best solution. If disputes arise, a family mediator can help you both agree on a plan for summer schedules and vacations. Mediation is a great way to expedite resolution and keep everyone out of the courtroom.
- Sometimes court is necessary
If neither party is able to agree on a plan for the summer together or through mediation, the last option to settle the dispute is to meet in court.
The following parameters should be in place outlining:
- The vacation time that each parent is allowed to take each year
- The time frame that vacation plans must be communicated in, which prevents parents from making last minute vacation plans.
- In some instances agreements may restrict the distance or location that a child may travel, so make sure your plans fall within these guidelines.
If it is necessary for a court to rule on your vacation plans, then make sure you arrive in court prepared with your position on a summer break schedule and vacation. Once the courts finalize your schedule, be sure that all agreements are legally bound
Communication and preparation can keep your summers on track and will ensure you and your children have great and happy vacations for years to come.
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