Summer Co-Parenting Plans: Navigating Vacations, Camps, and Custody
As summer approaches, many co-parents find themselves facing unique challenges when it comes to planning vacations, scheduling summer camps, and managing child custody arrangements. The shift from the structured school year to the flexibility of summer break can create both opportunities and complications in co-parenting dynamics. Successfully navigating this time requires communication, compromise, and sometimes legal support to ensure the best interests of the children are met.
The Shift in Routine
During the school year, parenting schedules tend to follow a predictable routine—weekdays, weekends, and holidays are mapped out in advance, and children’s activities revolve around school commitments. In contrast, summer brings an open calendar that can quickly become filled with camps, trips, and other activities that may conflict with existing parenting time arrangements.
For many families, summer is a time for bonding, exploration, and rest. But for divorced or separated parents, it also requires careful planning and flexibility to accommodate each parent’s desire to spend quality time with the children.
Vacation Planning
One of the most significant aspects of summer co-parenting is planning vacations. Whether it’s a week at the beach or a road trip to visit relatives, vacations often require special considerations in custody agreements. Parents may want to take the children out of town, out of state, or even out of the country, which can lead to complications if not properly coordinated.
Tips for Vacation Planning:
- Start Early: Begin discussions about summer vacations several months in advance to avoid last-minute disputes.
- Communicate Clearly: Use written communication (emails or co-parenting apps) to outline proposed dates, locations, and travel details.
- Respect the Parenting Plan: Adhere to the custody schedule unless both parties agree to temporary changes.
- Get Consent for Travel: If your parenting plan requires consent for out-of-state or international travel, make sure to obtain it in writing.
A clearly written parenting plan may already contain provisions for vacation time, such as allowing each parent a designated number of days during the summer for uninterrupted vacation. If your agreement lacks detail, consider working with a family law attorney to modify it to reflect your family’s needs.
Summer Camps and Activities
Summer camps are a popular option for children during the break, offering everything from sports and music to science and nature exploration. However, camp schedules can present logistical and financial issues for co-parents.
Considerations for Summer Camps:
- Cost Sharing: Determine in advance how camp fees will be divided. This may be outlined in your custody agreement or require a separate discussion.
- Logistics: Consider transportation to and from camp, especially if the camp’s schedule conflicts with a parent’s work hours or custody time.
- Approval: Some parenting plans may require both parents to agree on extracurricular activities, including camps.
To avoid disputes, include provisions in your parenting plan that address how camps and other summer activities will be selected and funded. This ensures that decisions are made in a collaborative and child-focused manner.
Custody Schedules and Flexibility
Summer custody schedules often differ from the school-year routine. Some parents switch to a “week-on, week-off” arrangement, while others may continue a more traditional alternating weekend plan with longer vacation blocks built in.
Common Summer Custody Arrangements:
- Extended Visits: One parent may have the children for several weeks at a time, especially if they live far apart.
- Alternating Weeks: Parents alternate custody on a weekly basis, providing balance and consistency.
- Split Summer: Each parent gets half the summer, divided into blocks of time.
Whatever arrangement is used, it’s essential that both parents agree on the schedule ahead of time and remain flexible when conflicts arise. Children benefit from stability and knowing what to expect, so clearly communicating any changes is critical.
Tips for Successful Summer Co-Parenting
Summer can be a positive and enriching time for children, as long as parents prioritize cooperation and their child’s best interests. Here are a few strategies to keep in mind:
- Plan Ahead: Create a summer calendar that includes vacations, camps, and other events, and share it with your co-parent.
- Stay Flexible: Be open to changes and willing to compromise when scheduling conflicts occur.
- Use Technology: Consider using co-parenting apps to coordinate schedules, share documents, and keep communication organized.
- Keep the Kids First: Focus on what’s best for your children rather than what feels “fair” to each parent.
- Avoid Conflicts in Front of the Kids: Shield your children from parental disagreements and encourage them to enjoy their time with both parents.
Modifying Your Parenting Plan
Sometimes, a parenting plan that worked well during the school year doesn’t hold up during the summer. If disagreements persist or your current agreement lacks flexibility, you may need to consider a legal modification.
Colorado courts allow for post-decree modifications when there has been a change in circumstances or when adjustments are necessary for the child’s best interests. Modifications can address issues such as:
- Extending summer vacation time
- Revising the division of camp expenses
- Granting permission for out-of-state travel
- Adjusting exchange times or locations
An experienced family law attorney can help you petition the court for these changes and represent your interests during mediation or hearings.
How Thomas & Ahnell, LLC Can Help
At Thomas & Ahnell, LLC, we understand that co-parenting during the summer months can present unique challenges. Our experienced family law attorneys are here to help you create, modify, or enforce parenting plans that support your children’s well-being while protecting your rights as a parent.
Whether you’re planning a vacation, enrolling your child in summer camp, or facing disputes about custody schedules, our team can provide the guidance and legal support you need. We strive to help families find peaceful resolutions whenever possible—but we’re also prepared to advocate for you in court when necessary.
Let us help you make the most of your summer parenting time—without the stress and confusion. Contact Thomas & Ahnell, LLC today to schedule a consultation and ensure your summer co-parenting plan works for everyone involved.
Do you have further questions or concerns? Call us or contact the attorneys at Thomas & Ahnell, LLC, and we will be happy to help.