Summer brings challenges for all parents trying to juggle work, family, and personal time. For divorced or divorcing parents, sharing parenting duties adds another layer of difficulty. Still, with proper planning and guidance, you can create a summer plan that puts your kids’ needs first and works for everyone.
Developing your summer parenting plan
Consider these key areas when drafting your summer arrangements:
- Communicate clearly: Talk openly with your co-parent about summer activities, vacation preferences and scheduling conflicts. Honest discussion builds a foundation for effective co-parenting.
- Prioritize children’s needs: Focus on what serves your children best, including their existing routines, friendships and desired summer activities. Their sense of normalcy matters most during this transition.
- Detail holiday and vacation time: Specify who has the children for major holidays such as July 4th and how longer vacation blocks will work. Decide on notification timelines for travel plans.
- Address financial responsibilities: Clarify who pays for summer camps, childcare, sports and other related expenses. Clear financial agreements with your ex-spouse prevent future disputes.
- Create a flexible schedule: Summer often involves less rigid school schedules. Outline specific dates and times for transitions between households. Allow for some spontaneity where possible.
- Plan for medical and emergencies: Discuss how you will handle illnesses or emergencies when children are with the other parent. Ensure both parents have access to medical information.
A well-developed summer plan, even if informal initially, shows your foresight and how committed you are to this standard. This proactive approach can set a positive tone for future formal agreements.
Why legal counsel matters
A seasoned attorney can offer guidance beyond simply drafting documents. They can help you craft an agreement tailored to your family’s specific needs, which courts can later enforce. With such agreement, you can ensure that your children’s summer remains exciting and secure, regardless of your marital changes.