First Year Navigating Your Parenting Plan During the Summer? Tips for Co-Parenting During the Summer Vacation Season!

In Florida, the summer season is often a time filled with much excitement and joy for children because school is officially out for most children, the weather is typically warm, and many parents are eager to take that long-awaited vacation, enroll their children in summer camps, or even just enjoy more relaxed routines that involve more family-time. However, sometimes for those co-parents, especially those navigating a parenting plan during the summer for the first time, the summer-time can also bring a unique set of challenges when it comes to coordinating time-sharing schedules, communicating travel plans, and complying with the parameters of the Parenting Plan.

As a Florida Bar family law attorney, who is Board Certified in Marital and Family law, Mr. Marck K. Joseph, Esq., BCS has guided many of his clients through summer-specific parenting concerns, and has seen how proactive planning can make all the difference.

1.     REVIEWYOUR PARENTING PLAN EARLY

In Florida, every Parenting Plan is different and unique because every family has a specific set of circumstances that are unique to their specific circumstances. There is no One-Size-Fits-All parenting plan. Therefore, it’s important to start by taking a close look at your existing parenting plan. Typically, parenting plans include specific language about summer time-sharing including, but not limited to, visitation and travel during the summer. Particularly, for those co-parents who enjoy traveling with their children during the summer, and as a result, require language in the parenting plan to account for a specific pre-planned summer vacation trip(s) with their children. This is generally a very normal topic that is usually addressed in parenting plan if the co-parents desire. In fact, some may grant each parent uninterrupted vacation time for a designated number of days, while others alternate years or require notice by a specific deadline. As every parenting plan is specific and unique to each family, it’s important to have an understanding of your family needs when it comes to summer vacation plans to ensure the parenting plans addresses those needs. Therefore, you’ll want to review your parenting plan early in the year and communicate with your co-parent well in advance of summer (if necessary).

2.    COMMUNICATE CLEARLY AND RESPECTFULLY

Don’t assume that you can unilaterally alter or modify the parenting plan during the summer season simply because you desire to take your children on an unplanned vacation that violates the terms of the parenting plan. In Florida, a parenting plan is typically reviewed and approved by the court/judge. The co-parents are expected to comply with the terms of the parenting plan. If you want to take your child on vacation, enroll them in an out-of-town camp, or other activity not addressed in the parenting plan, it’s best to present your plans inwriting, clearly and respectfully to your co-parent. Include as much detail as possible like purpose of the activity, your goals, the desired dates, destinations, transportation details, emergency contact information, as well as any other important information necessary. Clear communication isn’t just a courtesy it also helps build trust and reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings with your co-parent. If you and your co-parent have come to an agreement regarding your desired plans for the summer you can seek to have the parenting plan modified by the court to reflect the new agreement. If your co-parent does not agree, you may consider contacting an attorney to discuss your specific set of circumstances and learn what options (if any) you may have regarding modification of the parenting plan.

3.    KNOW WHEN TO SEEK LEGAL GUIDANCE

If your parenting plan lacks clarity and structure for the unique summer-time challenges, and you find that conflicts are escalating, or if you believe your co-parent is violating court-ordered terms, don’t wait until the issue becomes unmanageable. A family law attorney can help you interpret the parenting plan, potentially mediate disputes, or even file for modification (if necessary).

FINALTHOUGHTS

Navigating the summer time doesn’t have to be stressful. With preparation, respectful communication, and a focus on what’s best for your child, you and your co-parent can make the most of this special season. If you need help reviewing your parenting plan or resolving a summer scheduling issue, don’t hesitate to contact a Florida family law attorney who can help you protect your rights and your family’s well-being.

CONTACT THE EXPERIENCED MARITAL & FAMILY LAW ATTORNEYS AT THE JOSEPH FIRM, P.A.

 Attorney Marck K. Joseph, Esq., BCS is a Board Certified Marital and Family Law expert and the owner of The Joseph Firm, P.A. With almost fifteen (15) years of experience in Martial & Family Law, he is uniquely qualified in helping in most types of family cases, including divorce matters.

If you are involved in a family law matter in Florida, consulting with an experienced family law attorney can help you navigate the legal process while advocating for the best interests of your child. Our law firm fully understands the challenges of navigating marital and family law issues and we’re always ready to provide the highest-quality legal representation. Whether your case settles outside the courtroom or goes to trial (or final hearing), our attorneys go the extra mile for every client.

Our firm offers free case evaluations to determine whether the firm can assist you with your case, and if we can, a case consultation meeting will be scheduled. The experienced divorce lawyers at Joseph Firm, P.A. are ready to hear your story. We provide smart, aggressive family law representation to clients. To learn more, call (305) 501-0992.