Summer vacation is a time when children can relax and have fun. However, if your family is going through a divorce, summer vacation can be a difficult time. Here are 5 tips to make summer vacation with children during divorce a little easier:
Review Your Florida Parenting Plan and Plan Ahead
If you know that your family will be spending time apart during summer vacation, try to plan ahead as much as possible.
If you and your ex have a written agreement, start by reviewing it. In Florida, this is called a Parenting Plan, this agreement spells out the rights and obligations of each parent in a divorce and paternity case. For instance, who has the children during weekdays, pick up and drop off times, how often you get to talk to them and many other details to give your family clarity and control during a time that often leaves you feeling like you have none. A parenting plan is an important document that guides you through the planning stages of your summer vacation with your children.
On the other hand, if you recently separated from your ex, there may not be a parenting plan yet. If this is the case parents must decide and negotiate the details of how to split time. A Parenting Plan or court order can cover the dates and duration of a child’s vacation with either parent. But for those who are still trying to negotiate their own compromise-based resolution pending a more formal hearing or agreement… It’s important to keep some points in mind.
Planning Is Key For Divorced Parents in Florida
Are you planning to take your child outside of the country, are you traveling in the US or even leaving your county? In all these cases, it’s a good idea to have a written travel consent from the parent who is not traveling. By doing this, you will have certainty and proof that there was communication with the other parent and that s/he is on board with the plans. .
Remember to pack other important documents such as:
A photocopy of the child’s birth certificate
A photocopy of the non-traveling parent’s passport or other government identification.
Adoption decree -if applicable-
These documents will help you prove your relationship to your child.
Written communication Is Crucial For Divorced and Separated Parents In Florida!
Children benefit from a set routine . It takes a lot of work for parents (together or not) to craft a schedule for school, activities, family time, and more. If you are in a shared custody arrangement with the non-traveling parent, reach out to them as early as possible to discuss your travel plans.
The other parent can also be considering travel. By sharing what each would like to do, you can work with all the information available at the time. The commitments and plans of the non-traveling parent may affect what you decide upon.
Besides that, you should also share a detailed itinerary or travel information as your plans develop. This includes items such as flight details, contact information, hotel reservations, etc.
In Florida, Co Parenting Means Sharing Concerns And Making Joint Decisions
Parents must discuss many aspects of the intended vacation as well, including:
What do the parents consider suitable vacation destinations for the child?
What type or style of holidays are in contemplation? Will it need international travel? Or a local cottage getaway?
Which modes of travel are suitable given the destination?
As mentioned before, parents should exchange important identification and health care documents. So that they hand them over to the traveling parent in time for the trip.
While You're Enjoying Summer Vay-cay Facilitate Frequent Communication Between Your Child And The Other Parent
Once you’re at your destination, remember that even though they are having fun, kids might miss the other parent. Arrange a communication plan before you go. That way they can plan on talking over the phone, through Skype, Facetime, or other means. You can even encourage them to text if that’s something that is available.
And, last but not least...
How To Handle An Unreasonable Refusal To Consent To Travel In Florida
All our recommendations to this point assume that your ex is ok with you going away with your child. Of course, this may not always be the case.
Florida divorced parents can look at their parenting plan when the other parent fails to follow the agreement to avoid last minute fallout. If the other parent is delaying or worse, interfering with your travel plans, the parenting plan in your Florida divorce or custody case, may allow you to take action by asking the court to enforce the agreement. Even if there is no parenting plan in place, you can request a court order to allow you to travel with your child when the other parent is unreasonable to make sure your children have the summer vacation they deserve.
Do you have questions about child custody and parenting plans in Florida? At Augusto Law, we can help you negotiate or get a court order to plan your fun vacation with your child!! Call us now 305-507-7655 to make sure you spend quality time with your children.