Children all over the country look forward to taking a summer vacation. From the time in the car to fun in the sun, they know they’ll enjoy every last minute of their trip.
Unfortunately, as a parent, you could run into custody issues as you plan a vacation with your child or children.
Here are some of the many steps you can take to prevent trouble:
- Set your schedule as far in advance as possible: Rather than wait until the last minute, share your vacation schedule with the other parent as soon as possible.
- Know your custody agreement inside and out: The last thing you want to do is violate your custody agreement, as this is sure to lead to trouble.
- Talk it out: Even if you don’t get along with your ex-spouse, share information on your trip so that he or she is comfortable.
- Let your child communicate with the other parent on the trip: Don’t attempt to stop your child from calling or texting his or her other parent, as this can lead to an unnecessary argument.
If you aren’t careful, child custody concerns can ruin your summer vacation before you ever hit the road.
If you find yourself in this position, review your custody agreement in detail. This will give you a better idea of what you can and can’t do, such as where you can travel (leaving the country may be out of the question). When you know your legal rights, it’s much easier to plan a trip that you and your child will remember for years to come.
Source: FindLaw, “Top 5 Tips for Child Custody and Summer Vacation,” accessed May 22, 2018