Summer Vacation and Divorce–Communication is Key!
When going through divorce, a summer vacation with your kids can be a needed retreat: just cover your bases with good communication.
This is the time of year when hopefully the sun is around more, the flowers begin to appear, and kids start to look forward to the coming end of the school year. Summer vacation can be a great time to spend with your children, making memories and catching up on the things that can get lost in the busy everyday lives of most families, and help reassure children of parents love and commitment to them during a divorce. If you are dealing with a divorce, dissolution, or custody issue, summer vacation can also become a very stressful and combative time.
Family law issues can bring challenges in scheduling and communication between parents in planning for the summer break and vacations. Most separation agreements set out which parent has time with the children during the summer, which simplifies this time of year for those families. If you have not yet concluded your divorce, it can be more complicated. Proper communication with the other parent is essential. If you are planning a trip out of the state, it is imperative the other parent be notified immediately. When a parent leaves a state with a child, without notifying the other, there may be a misunderstanding where the other believes the child has been kidnapped. A scenario ending with a nationwide search, and your arrest by U.S. Marshalls or other federal agency – probably not the ideal conclusion to a vacation with your kids.
Newly separated couples have great difficulty in communicating effectively, but it is a skill which you must nurture and develop. When you have a child with someone, you are then connected to (or stuck with) that person until the child reaches the age of 18. So start now, learn how to discuss family vacations and scheduling. Communication with your ex is essential to successful co-parenting.
When kids are involved, summer vacation requires additional planning and details, which if you are dealing with a difficult ex can required professional assistance. If you are in need of a family lawyer, contact Ohio Divorce Attorney, Jamie L. Anderson, today to schedule a free in-office or telephone consultation at (937)879-9542.
