Co-parents, it is time to start thinking about summer vacation

On behalf of Furr & Cohen, P.A. posted in Child Custody on Sunday, April 6, 2014.

It may feel like summer year-round in much of Florida, but true summer remains several months away. Because effective co-parenting often requires parents to think ahead, it is important to start planning for summer vacation now. Failure to iron out details well in advance of summer vacation may lead to unnecessary tension and miscommunication once summer has begun.

Many parents opt to outline their regular vacation schedule in their parenting plan. If you and your co-parent have taken this route, you likely just need to nail down any travel arrangements, packing lists and emergency contact details that apply to your situation. However, if you do not have your regular summer schedule outlined in your formal parenting plan, it is time to start constructing this year’s schedule with your co-parent.

If you feel more comfortable negotiating with a lawyer present, if you need to modify your parenting plan or child custody arrangement, if you fear for your child’s safety or if you simply have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact an experienced family law attorney. Your peace of mind and your child’s wellbeing may require you to take such action.

Otherwise, if you feel that you and your co-parent should be able to make arrangements amicably and relatively peacefully, set a time to discuss the summer schedule that works for both of you. Prepare for your discussion by gathering any questions, concerns and ideas that you may have and do any necessary research. By making this effort in advance of summer, you and your child will be more likely to enjoy it tension-free once it arrives.

Source: The Huffington Post, “Start Summer Planning Now,” Marie Hartwell-Walker, April 3, 2014