With summer just around the corner, your thoughts may be turning to some time away. If you have just been through a divorce, it can bring a much-needed change of scenery. However, if you share children with your ex, you need to be aware that if you do not plan appropriately, your vacation could be over before it begins.
Here are some things to check to avoid problems:
Do you have permission from the other parent?
Did you think about vacations when you made your custody plan? The normal routine could leave you very limited when trying to book time away, so it is always best to include specific provisions for traveling with your kids.
Reciprocity works best here. Making allowances so that your ex can take your kids away when they are meant to be with you makes it more likely they do the same for you.
Do you have the necessary paperwork?
This is particularly important if you intend to travel overseas as border guards often refuse to let parents exit the country with their kids unless they show written approval. Taking a copy of your child’s birth certificate can also help, especially if you do not share surnames.
What about the rest of the summer break?
If you and the other parent coordinate your vacations with the kids, you can cover a significant chunk of time that might otherwise leave you needing to pay out for child care or activities to occupy the kids.
The best time to think about all this is when you are divorcing, but if you didn’t, it’s never too late to seek legal advice on the matter.