Organising Summer Holidays after Divorce: Tips

Summer holidays are a time for relaxation, fun and making memories. However, for divorced or separated parents, planning summer holidays can bring challenges. Coordinating schedules, ensuring both parents have quality time with the children and maintaining an amicable relationship can be daunting. Below are some tips to help make the process smoother.

Start planning early

One of the most effective ways to avoid conflicts and ensure a smooth summer holiday is to start planning well in advance. Discuss holiday plans with your ex-partner as early as possible to allow enough time for negotiation and compromise. Early planning helps both parents to coordinate their schedules, book travel arrangements and make necessary preparations without the last-minute rush.

Create a detailed parenting plan

A well thought out parenting plan can serve as a helpful guide for summer arrangements. The plan may outline:

• Holiday plans: Specify which parent will have the children on which dates, including start and end times;
• Travel arrangements: include details about any travel plans, such as destinations, transportation and accommodation;
• Communication: agree on how and when the children will communicate with the other parent during holidays;
• Special events: Consider any important events (e.g. birthdays, weddings) and how they will be handled.

Caveat: If you have a Child Arrangements Order, then this may outline the specifics on how much of the holiday is spent with each parent. Ensure that your planning adheres to the stipulations set out in the order to avoid any legal complications.

Be flexible and open to compromise

Flexibility is key. Understand that both parents may have different preferences and constraints. Be willing to compromise and find solutions that work for everyone. For example, if one parent wants to take the children on a special trip, the other parent might agree to adjust their time to accommodate this request, provide they get extra time with the children later.

Prioritize the children’s interests

The primary focus should always be on the best interests of the children. Consider their preferences, routines and wellbeing when making holiday plans. Children may have their own ideas about how they want to spend their holidays, and taking their wishes into account can lead to a more enjoyable experience for them. Ensure and encourage them to have the opportunity to spend quality time with both parents and engage in activities they enjoy.

Maintain positive communication

Effective communication between parents is crucial for successful holiday planning. Keep discussions respectful and focused on the children and finding solutions to any issues. If direct communication is challenging, consider using email or a co-parenting app to keep conversations organized and documented.

Plan for the unexpected

Despite the best planning, unexpected situations can arise. Be prepared to handle changes or emergencies that may disrupt holiday plans. Agree on a contingency plan for such scenarios, including how changes will be communicated and managed. Being prepared can reduce stress and help you respond effectively to unforeseen events.

Seek legal advice if necessary

If you encounter significant disagreements, or if your ex-partner is uncooperative, it may be necessary to seek legal advice. A family lawyer can provide guidance on your rights and help mediate disputes. In some cases, obtaining a court order may be required to establish clear guidelines for holiday arrangements.

For more information, please contact our family law team on 01273 447 065