11 Apr How Summer Travel Impacts Child Custody Arrangements
Summer break is a time many families look forward to. School is out, the weather is warm, and it’s the perfect time for vacations and new experiences. But if you’re sharing custody of your child, summer travel plans can become complicated. At Navarrette Family Law, we help parents prepare for these changes so they can focus on what matters most—their children.
Why Summer Travel Can Be Tricky
During the school year, custody schedules often follow a regular routine. But summer can bring unexpected changes. Parents may want to take their child on a trip, sign them up for camps, or spend longer blocks of time together. These plans can cause issues if they don’t fit into the current custody arrangement.
If one parent wants to travel out of state, or even out of the country, special permission may be required. Without the other parent’s agreement or approval from the court, that trip might not happen. That’s why it’s so important to plan ahead.
Tips for Summer Travel and Custody
Tips for Summer Travel and Custody
#1. Review Your Custody Order
Start by reading your current custody agreement. Many court orders include specific rules for summer visitation and travel. These may include how much notice must be given, what kind of travel is allowed, and how long your child can be away.
#2. Talk to the Other Parent Early
Good communication is key. Let the other parent know about your travel plans as early as possible. Provide details like the dates, where you’re going, and how they can contact the child while away. This helps avoid confusion or last-minute problems.
#3. Put Agreements in Writing
Even if both parents agree to changes for the summer, it’s always a good idea to write everything down. This keeps everyone on the same page and helps prevent misunderstandings later on.
#4. Keep Your Child’s Best Interests First
Summer should be fun, not stressful. Try to work together with your co-parent to create a summer plan that supports your child’s needs and gives them great memories.
#5. Get Legal Advice if Needed
If you and your co-parent can’t agree on summer travel plans, or if you’re unsure what your order allows, talk to a family law attorney. It’s better to get legal advice before problems begin.
Final Thoughts
Summer travel can be exciting—but when custody is involved, it’s important to be careful, respectful, and prepared. At Navarrette Family Law, we help parents handle summer scheduling issues with clarity and confidence.
Need help understanding how your summer travel plans could impact your custody arrangement? Contact us today to speak with an attorney who can guide you through the process. Let’s make this summer one your child will enjoy, without the legal stress.