What to think about with summer parenting time disputes

The summertime may be a special time for a child. After all, not having to go to school is a type of nirvana that most parents don’t understand. Instead, a parent may be concerned about keeping their child occupied for the weeks that school is not in session. In these instances, enrollment in summer camps or extended trips to see relatives may be an option.

While these are generally good options and ideas, parents in the midst of custody and parenting time disputes may not be able to take advantage of them. Essentially, a difficult and vindictive parent may not want to help pay for a summer camp or may vehemently protest an extended vacation because it may interfere with his or her parenting time.

The natural reaction when these things happen is to seek court intervention. However, it may be prudent to have a conversation with an experienced family law attorney before filing a motion in anticipation of eviscerating the other parent in court. This is because there are certain issues that family law courts may not be interested in resolving.

First and foremost, family courts have an expectation that parents will put their personal feelings aside and work together for the benefit of a child. Second, courts may not be willing to be the decision-makers on what children will be allowed (and not allowed) to do for entertainment. Basically, they will not punish a parent who does not want to pay for summer camp or fees for other extracurricular activities.

So when disputes arise over summer entertainment, take time to consult an before taking action.