Family Matters

Best co-parenting tips for a successful summer

Often, summer parenting time requires more planning and flexibility with your co-parent. It is important to check your parenting time agreement to see if your parenting time schedule is modified in the summer months to an alternative schedule. It is also important to see what the stipulations are when it comes to requesting and planning summer vacations. To reduce conflict this summer, here are our top 5 tips:

1. Review your parenting time agreement. Double-check the provisions for summer parenting time, vacation parenting time, and holiday parenting time. Pay special attention if your agreement requires specific notice for exercising vacations.
2. Communicate summer plans as soon as reasonably possible. Summer camps fill up quickly. There are also limited weeks to take and plan for summer vacations. It is important you convey your schedules and plans for the children sooner rather than later.
3. Be flexible when it is reasonable. Now more than ever, flights are getting delayed. Flexibility may be requested to ensure the children can attend summer vacations with minimal stress. If a request seems fair and focused on the children and their best interests, you may want to consider providing courtesies. Keep in mind how you respond to a request may dictate how your co-parent responds to certain requests from you in the future. Flexibility does not mean giving up your rights or ignoring boundaries. It means recognizing that life happens and that children benefit when parents can work together respectfully.
4. Avoid bringing the children into scheduling issues. The children should never be asked to choose between parents, deliver messages, or feel responsible for handling adult scheduling issues. Communicate directly with your co-parent as necessary.
5. Share important information about camps and summer activities. Summer camps, sports, lessons, and activities often require coordination. Both parents should have access to important information, including schedules, locations, contact information, costs, equipment needs, and pick-up or drop-off responsibilities.

Successful co-parenting during the summer can make it much more enjoyable and memorable. Please take time to review your parenting time agreements. If you have questions regarding your agreement or would like to make modifications, please reach out to one of our seasoned family law attorneys.

The information contained in this publication should not be construed as legal advice, is not a substitute for legal counsel, and should not be relied on as such. For legal advice or answers to specific questions, please contact one of our attorneys.