When summer break arrives, children’s schedules change. During the school year, even if both coparents work, the children are typically in class while the parents are at their place of employment. This can make it easy to set up a custody schedule that works for everyone.
Over the summer, things may need to change. Some parents may not use a 50-50 schedule during the school year, for example, but they may want to use a 50-50 schedule during the summer to reduce their obligations. They may also need to consider childcare options, depending on the ages of their children, because the adults still have to go to work even when the children get a break from school.
Trips and vacations
Furthermore, the summer is often a time for families to take trips or vacations, such as road trips to other states or even a trip overseas.
All of this is possible, but it may require changing the custody schedule. If parents typically use a 2-2-3 schedule, for instance, but one parent wants to take the children on a trip for a week, they need to communicate with their coparent. They may need to temporarily modify the custody schedule or the exchange times to make the trip possible.
Navigating a conflict
All of these changes can make summer a trying time for coparents and their children. It is important to take appropriate legal steps when modifying a custody order, just as it is important for both parents to respect the other person’s parental and child custody rights. When disputes arise and modifications are needed, parents must know what legal steps to take.