The first summer vacation after a divorce can be a challenge for everyone in a family. Intense emotions and logistical challenges can impact how divorced parents spend the summer with their children. With that said, it is possible even for newly-divorced parents who have yet to fully heal to navigate child custody like a pro during the summer break from school.
How can parents minimize time-sharing complications when subject to a Florida parenting plan?
Proper emotional preparation
It can be very difficult to transition from spending the entire summer with the children to only spending half of the time or less with them. Parents may need to discuss their circumstances with friends or family members other than their children to gain a better perspective and process their feelings.
They may need to work with a counselor or explore artistic outlets for their feelings. Ideally, each parent manages their own emotional reactions so that they don’t lash out at one another or show how upset they are to the children.
Logistical planning
Vacations and childcare often require careful coordination before the summer even begins. Parents attempting to take their children to theme parks, beaches or other destinations during their parenting time may need to validate the schedule in advance, make reservations and ensure they have everything needed to travel safely with their children.
If a parent’s plan for the summer includes working full-time, they may need to have childcare arrangements in place, including backup arrangements in case their childcare provider goes on vacation or falls ill.
Legal compliance
The time-sharing arrangements outlined in a Florida parenting plan should prioritize the best interests of the children, and the courts expect both parents to uphold the schedule. Parents may need to carefully review the schedule for time-sharing to ensure that any travel they plan is during their own parenting time.
They may also need to validate rules regarding the right of first refusal for childcare arrangements and any restrictions on travel. In some cases, they may need to give parenting time to the other parent if they intend to use a professional caregiver or may need prior approval for traveling significant distances with the children after the divorce.
Parents who understand and make every reasonable effort to conform to the legal requirements imposed on adults who share custody can minimize conflicts with their co-parents and transition to their new time-sharing arrangement over the summer gracefully. Working with an experienced child custody attorney can help people understand what is necessary for legal compliance and what rights they have under their current parenting plan.