Sharing custody of your child with the other parent can make life complicated, especially when planning vacations and family trips. While you want to create lasting memories, you must also honor your legal agreement and make decisions that are fair for everyone. Here are a few tips for fitting your vacation into your custody schedule.
Review Your Custody Agreement
The first step involves looking through your current time-sharing agreement. Pay special attention to any provisions regarding travel, including restrictions on where you can go and what terms you have to follow. You need to know what is and isn’t allowed, as well as when you need permission from the other parent.
Once you’ve reviewed your agreement, begin hammering out the key details of your trip. Determine where you want to go and how long you expect to be gone.
Talk to the Other Parent
After you’ve got an idea of what you want to do for vacation and what dates you’ll be scheduling it for, reach out to the other parent. Make sure to be respectful and transparent. Provide details about the location, expected timeframe, and any travel and lodging accommodations.
Be Flexible and Willing to Negotiate
Don’t approach the conversation as if you are “telling” the other person what is going to happen. Use non-aggressive language, and meet any resistance with a willingness to negotiate. Phrases like, “If those days don’t work for you, is there another set of dates that would be a better option?” show you can be flexible.
Focus on doing what’s best for your child while also outlining what you are asking for.
Get Everything in Writing
If the other parent agrees, ensure you obtain this consent in a written or typed format. Screenshots of an email or text response can suffice in most cases. However, some states or parenting agreements require notarized written consent. If your agreement imposes these types of requirements, make sure you obtain the right documentation.
Consider Your Child’s Routine
Vacations are supposed to be fun. It’s okay to expose your child to some exciting new experiences. However, you should also avoid any major disruptions to their routine. This can be especially important with younger children who may not have spent much time away from the other parent.
Use a Shared Calendar
If you and the other parent have an amicable relationship, consider creating a shared digital calendar. You can use the calendar to keep each other updated about everything from sports games and school events to travel dates. Remember, the goal is to work together to do what’s best for your child.
Need Help Renegotiating Your Child’s Visitation Schedule?
Are you having a tough time working through your child’s visitation agreement? The seasoned team at Gucciardo Family Law can help. We have experience assisting with all types of family legal matters in Michigan, including visitation, child custody disputes, and timesharing modifications.
Contact us to schedule a consultation and find out what we can do for you today.
