Contending With Child Custody Disputes While Preparing For Vacation

Even the best laid plans can go awry, which is why co-parents who have done their best to schedule family vacations in advance could still end up involved in a custody dispute with their co-parent. We know how stressful this can be (and how frustrating), especially when a family is trying to focus on relaxation and bonding. Read on for a few tips on how to deal with child custody disputes while your family prepares for your vacation.

The Importance of Planning Ahead 

One of the best ways to ensure that your vacation goes smoothly is to start planning well in advance. Waiting until the last minute to discuss your vacation plans with a co-parent can cause unnecessary stress, conflict, and an inability to reach an agreement in time for the trip. Early planning, on the other hand, gives both parents the chance to communicate their expectations and their availability during the summer months and to determine what kind of vacation would be in their child’s best interests.

Legal Intervention 

Unfortunately, even when parents plan ahead, a change in schedule or in circumstances could lead to custody disputes down the road. In these situations, the parents should be sure to check their custody agreement for clauses regarding vacation time and notice periods. Most parenting plans, for instance, allocate certain blocks of time to each parent for vacation. If one parent stands in the way of the other’s allocated parenting time, then the wronged party can seek enforcement in court. Such proceedings, however, can be time-consuming and stressful, which is why most co-parents are encouraged to try and resolve their custody-related dispute in an out-of-court setting.

Creative Problem Solving 

While the disagreement between two co-parents regarding conflicting vacation plans may seem insurmountable, the reality is that most parents, when they put their mind to it, can resolve these kinds of problems on their own (albeit with the help of an experienced attorney). There are a few keys to doing so, including communicating honestly and openly about your expectations and plans, remaining flexible if the other party’s plans change, and working to come up with a creative solution. For instance, one parent may have a unique opportunity to take the kids on a trip this summer, but only during the two weeks allotted to his or her co-parent. Rather than objecting to the current state of affairs or getting contentious, the parents could opt to modify the schedule a bit, moving dates around to accommodate both parties, while ensuring that the child has a fun and relaxing vacation.

Contact an Experienced Florida Child Visitation and Time-Sharing Lawyer Today

If you and your co-parent cannot agree on your child’s vacation plans, consider reaching out to a dedicated Fort Lauderdale child visitation and time-sharing lawyer for help resolving those problems, either in the courtroom or in an out-of-court setting. Call Sandra Bonfiglio, P.A. at 954-945-7591 today to get started.

Sources:

psychologytoday.com/us/blog/two-takes-depression/201203/the-dos-and-donts-co-parenting-well

flcourts.gov/content/download/686031/file_pdf/995a.pdf