School’s out for the summer, and your children are no doubt very excited for their six-week break.
However, if you’re co-parenting with an ex-partner, the summer holidays might bring more stress than relaxation.
Whether you have an amicable relationship with your ex or not, there a range of things you need to consider when co-parenting over the summer holidays.
Childcare arrangements
With your children no longer at school, you may have to make some changes to childcare arrangements if both you and your ex-partner are working.
If you can, try and discuss possible arrangements with your ex-partner. Go into the conversation with an open mind and be willing to compromise, particularly when it comes to navigating different schedules.
A neutral third-party, such as a trained mediator, can help you work towards solutions that work for both you, your ex, and your children.
You should always keep your children’s interests at the heart of your decision-making and make sure you comply with any specific Child Arrangement Orders.
Summer plans
It is likely that both you and your ex-partner will want to engage in special activities and days out with your children over the holidays.
If you previously had summer holiday traditions as a family, such as a day trip to an amusement park or an annual summer family barbecue, keeping up with these traditions could be extremely important for you, your ex, and your children.
It may be that there are some traditions you or your ex are happy to forgo, making it easier to decide who will be responsible for which activities.
However, if certain traditions were important to both of you, the situation may be tougher to handle.
Alternating which activities, you are responsible for can be a good option.
For example, if your ex takes care of the zoo trip while you handle the seaside excursion this summer, you can swap round the following year.
If you and your ex can behave with civility and respect around each other, you could even attempt to continue traditions and activities with your children together.
However, you must make sure that you can do this without engaging in behaviour that could cause distress to your children.
Fostering an amicable, collaborative co-parenting partnership will help to reduce the risk of conflicts and make it easier to do activities together as a family.
You may wish to seek professional support to help you and your ex improve your co-parenting relationship.
Vacations abroad
If you’re planning on taking your kids on holiday abroad, you might be wondering whether you need to gain permission from your ex-partner.
The answer is usually yes.
Removing a child from the UK without consent from all those with parental responsibility or without a court order is a criminal offence, regardless of whether the trip is for a holiday, visiting family, or any other reason.
This is because under the Child Abduction Act 1984, taking your child out of the country (without permission) could be considered child abduction if they are under the age of 16.
Although getting your ex-partner’s permission just to take your kids abroad can feel frustrating, failure to do so could lead to serious legal consequences if your ex decides to take action.
If your ex-partner does not give their consent for your holiday plans, you can apply to the court for a Specific Issue Order.
The court will consider factors such as:
Your ex-partner will be required to provide a valid reason for their objection, such as concerns about abduction or an extended separation from the child’s usual routine.
If the court grants you permission to take your children abroad, make sure you bring the relevant documentation to prove your legal right to travel with your children.
For example, you may need a copy of your child’s birth certificate, evidence of a court order giving you permission to travel, or letters of consent from the other parent, especially for international travel.
If you have a Child Arrangement Order that requires your children to live with you, then you can take your children abroad for 28 days without your ex-partner’s permission, unless a court order states otherwise.
Hethertons Solicitors – Here to support you this summer
The summer holidays can be a challenging time for separated parents and their children.
However, with some forward planning, open communication, and a willingness to compromise, it is possible to ensure that both you and your ex can enjoy quality time with your children this summer.
If you feel you would benefit from extra support with family arrangements over the holidays, Hethertons’ expert family lawyers are here to help.
We’ve supported many families to establish working child arrangements and co-parenting agreements, helping to reduce conflict and avoid unnecessary court costs.
Whatever you need this summer, Hethertons Solicitors are here for you.
Don’t sweat the small stuff this summer. Contact our expert Family Law team today for tailored advice and guidance on co-parenting and child arrangements.
