START THINKING ABOUT VACATION PLANS TO AVOID A LAST-MINUTE RUSH
Even though it is still wintertime, now is the best time for parents to think about what they are going to do this summer with the children. If you have a child custody agreement, making plans as early as possible can help ensure that there aren’t any conflicts with the schedule. Before you do this, make sure that you take a look at the parenting plan to determine what stipulations are present for vacations.
Some parenting plans might have geographical limitations about where the parents can take the children without permission from the other parent or the court. If you have this in your order, make sure that you get this before you make any firm plans if the area you are going to travel to is outside of the allowed area.
Another consideration that you have is when you are going to leave. Ideally, you will be able to make this work with the parenting time schedule. If not, find out if vacations take precedence over the normal schedule. Having that term in the agreement can make your planning easier since you will be able to have the kids when the vacation schedule makes it necessary. Just be sure that you don’t go over the allowed number of days that is listed in the order.
You should discuss the plans with your ex to make sure that there aren’t any overlaps with their plans. This also gives you a chance to give them an overview of the vacation to find out if there are any issues. Remember, the goal is to work together to give your children a good life.