Tips for Successful Co-Parenting During Summer Vacation

Making Sure Everyone Has a Blast

Summer vacation can be a lot of fun for everyone, especially for your children. Working to accommodate schedules while maintaining a custody arrangement, however, can be a bit difficult. In order to give your children an even better summer and remove a headache from your plate, here are some tips you can use to co-parent with your ex-spouse more effectively.

Create a Plan

One of the best things you can do early on is to make a co-parenting plan with your ex-spouse (or mediator, if necessary). Having a plan for events such as weekends, birthdays, or trips ahead of time can save potential problems before they come up. If issues do arise later, allow the plan to be flexible as needed.

Share Vacation Plans With Your Ex

Vacations can be a lot of fun for everyone involved, but divorced parents must abide by their custody agreement at all times. If you want to take your child on a vacation either in-state or out of state, then it is important to notify the other parent as soon as possible in order to work out any details necessary, such as time-sharing considerations.

Get Your Kids’ Opinions

While this may not apply to younger kids necessarily, as children get older, it is important to get their input as you make decisions. It is their summer break, so they may have ideas of things they would like to do. Consider starting small, though; let them pick a weekend activity or two rather than the destination of the family vacation.

Be Understanding and Cordial

While it may be difficult at times to always remain a positive presence around your ex-spouse, issues may come up that may necessitate an adjustment to your already scheduled plan. Try to be as understanding as possible without bashing your ex-spouse, especially in front of your children.

Prioritize Your Children First

Above all, summer is for your children to enjoy time off school. This is not the time to compete with the other parent for attention and favoritism. This is a time to do everything possible to give your kids the best summer imaginable.

Enlisting the Help of an Attorney

If your custody situation may put a damper on your summer plans, it may be necessary to call someone that can help you work toward a more amicable solution. Anne E. Raduns, PA is standing by ready to help you work through your custody issues to give you and your children the best possible summer.

To schedule a consultation with our Ocala family law attorneys, call us at (352) 310-8235 or visit us online.