Your children are on summer break, but your child custody agreement is not. So now what? Most parents would agree that it’s hard enough to coordinate schedules and keep the kids safe and occupied in the off-season, without the added headaches of co-parenting. But this summer doesn’t have to be complicated. If you prepare, vacation might actually turn out to be fun and amicable.

School’s Out for Summer…Or Is It?

There are a few things to think about during summer break, including when it starts. Per the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines, summer vacation begins the day after school lets out and ends the day before school resumes. Obviously, this rule varies by location and travel distance, so be sure to check your custody documents or ask your attorney for more specifics.

Deadlines, Deadlines, Deadlines

School may be out, but deadlines still matter – especially when it comes to scheduling time for non-custodial parents. If you want to avoid endless back-and-forths with your ex and make sure you get your kiddos on your preferred days, be sure to alert the custodial parent by April 1^st.  Be warned: if you don’t meet this deadline, the custodial parent will most likely be making your summer schedule.

Document and Discuss

For non-custodial parents, submitting a su mmer schedule request becomes valid when it is submitted to the custodial parent in both writing and verbal forms. Again, doing so by April 1^st will secure the schedule that works best for your family. Quick Tip: technology can be a godsend when it comes to complicated summer schedules and relationships – Google Calendars, email, texts and even divorce apps might be worth a second look.

Extended Stay Scenarios

If you or your ex plan to keep the children for a time period longer than two consecutive weeks, then the custodial parent has the right to see the kids every other weekend and once during the week. This rule also applies to the non-custodial parent.

Don’t Forget about July Fourth

The Fourth of July may seem like just one day, but in custody terms, it actually begins July 3rd at 6:00pm and goes until July 5th at 10 a.m. What does this mean? If it is the non-custodial parent’s year to have the children on July Fourth, then it will include the evening before and the morning after.

And don’t forget, which parent gets the children during the Fourth of July holiday alternates each year. If it’s the non-custodial parent’s year they will get one half of the summer, plus the holiday, therefore it’s advised to schedule any other vacations to exclude America’s birthday so you have the most time possible with your children.

These tips are geared toward parents who have included the terms of the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines into their custody agreement. For more advice and co-parenting strategies, reference the guidelines or schedule a time to discuss your unique situation with author, Kisti Good Risse (765-742-9066).

If you don’t follow the guidelines and would like to discuss your custody agreement, please contact Kisti with any questions or concerns.

Disclaimer:
The content of this blog is intended to be general and informational in nature. It is advertising material and is not intended to be, nor is it, legal advice to or for any particular person, case, or circumstance. Each situation is different, and you should consult an attorney if you have any questions about your situation.