Following separation or divorce, it is important to consider how parenting arrangements may affect upcoming family events and summer holiday plans. It is common for children to be on a rotating schedule with each parent so, depending on how events and plans are made, it is possible that your children may not be in your care at the time of a particular event or a specific period during the summer.

Agreements

If you are entering into any agreement that deals with parenting arrangements, make sure that in addition to setting a regular parenting schedule, your agreement includes provisions regarding things like summer holidays and special events.

• For example, if you prefer to have your regular parenting schedule continue during school holidays, such as summer break, that would be included in the parenting agreement. If, however, you prefer to have an alternative schedule in place when your children are not in school, this will need to be considered in the agreement.

Should you want to spend time with your children on a specific religious or cultural holiday, you should make sure that any parenting agreement you enter into contains provisions regarding how time on these holidays will be divided. If you do not, then the regular parenting schedule will remain in force and you may not have your children in your care at that time.

Amendments

If you have entered into a parenting agreement that does not deal with holiday and special event parenting arrangements, you can negotiate with the other parent to amend the agreement to include these types of provisions. Remember that the agreement should be in writing and signed by both you and your ex-partner in the presence of witnesses.

Disagreements

Should any issues arise surrounding special event or holiday parenting time, you may need to apply to the court to vary the parenting agreement. This should be done well in advance of the holiday or special occasion in question. You will also need to convince the court that it is in the best interests of your children to vary the existing order or agreement.

If you are unable to have your existing order or agreement varied prior to the holiday or special occasion in question, make plans to celebrate that holiday or special occasion with your children during your regularly scheduled parenting time. During scheduled parenting time, day-to-day decisions are made by that parent, including whether the children may attend an event or holiday celebration with the other parent.

Should you feel that official changes are needed to your parenting schedule or if your ex-partner is refusing to honor the existing parenting schedule, you may have to go to court to solve the issue. Navigating this process often requires the assistance of a Family Services lawyer. RDM Lawyers has an experienced team of professionals who can help you with this and other related Family Law matters, such as custody or support. Contact them today.