How to Handle Summer Break and Child Custody in New Jersey
School breaks can interfere with a previously agreed-upon child custody agreement. Parents may need to rearrange their schedules to accommodate children being home full-time during the summer months. Summer break can also bring up disagreements related to taking the child on a family vacation, which could affect their time with the other parent.
Tips to Navigate Summer Break with a Child Custody Agreement
Here are a few tips that you and your ex-spouse may find helpful in navigating a child custody agreement during summer break:
1. Review the Agreement and Make Necessary Changes Before Summer Break
It can be helpful to get together before the end of the school year to decide where the child will spend most of their time. Perhaps one parent works full-time and can’t be home with the kids during the day. If both parents work, you may need to come up with alternative arrangements during the summer such as a full-time babysitter or summer program.
2. Discuss Vacation Expectations Ahead of Time
Discussing vacation plans and expectations ahead of time helps everyone plan accordingly. Try to plan summer vacations before the end of the school year so your ex-spouse knows what to expect. If possible, work around each other’s schedules and allow the child to take a vacation with each of their parents.
3. Give the Other Parent More Time Over the Summer
The school year can make it so one parent ends up spending the majority of the time with their child. Use the summer to allow your child to spend more time with the other parent. You may decide to have them spend a couple of weeks, or even months, with the other parent. You can even use this time to take your own vacation.
4. Take Advantage of Scheduling Apps
Summer break can lead to a lot of schedule changes for everyone. Taking advantage of scheduling apps can ensure that everyone knows where they’re supposed to be, and when.
Summer break doesn’t have to be difficult for divorced families. Use this break from school for your child to catch up on time with a parent they may not get to see as often.
How to Handle Summer Break Disagreements
Disagreements are possible when schedules change and you and your ex-spouse may be responsible for making adjustments to a child custody agreement. Try to navigate disagreements by keeping your child’s best interests in mind. You may not want to deal with the inconvenience of sending them away to the other parent’s house, but it may be the only quality time they get with them all year.
If you and your spouse are still unable to come to an agreement, it may be worth it to work with a negotiator. A negotiator can help you find a situation that works for everyone. If you are still unable to find something that works for the whole family, it may be necessary to go back to court and have the child custody agreement amended. In most cases, a child custody agreement also considers school breaks though.
Contact a Mount Laurel County Family Law Attorney for a Consultation About Child Custody in New Jersey Today
If you are thinking about filing for divorce, or if you have already started the divorce process and are dealing with another matter such as child custody, child support, or division of assets, you need to speak with a qualified attorney. The New Jersey family law attorneys at Cordry Hartman LLC represent clients throughout the state, including Moorestown, Cherry Hill, Evesham Township, and Mount Laurel. We understand how challenging this time can be for you, which is why we will fight hard to protect your interests, and the interests of your loved ones, throughout the legal process. Call us at 856-452-4474 or fill out our confidential contact form to schedule a consultation. We have an office conveniently located at 505 S Lenola Rd Ste 224 Moorestown, NJ 08057.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.