We are often asked questions about sharing custody and travel during the holidays as a co-parent in San Diego. The holiday season is quickly approaching and you may be searching for some insight and few tips on how to manage your holiday plans.
Co-parenting your child(ren) during the holidays is a challenging experience for most. Your child(ren) must move between two households so that they may spend time with family and friends throughout the holiday season. Make sure your parenting plan addresses precautions regarding the pandemic. Any form of travel may present a risk. Almost all airports and airlines require masks at all times. How will you and your former spouse protect your children as they travel and move between households and locations throughout the holiday season?
If you are already sharing custody then the first place to seek guidance is the existing child custody and parenting time order in your case. An effective child custody and parenting time plan should always address sharing custody and travel during the holidays as a co-parent in San Diego. It may require you to seek the permission of the Court prior to taking your child(ren) out of the area, state or country. Make sure you have the written authority to take your child(ren) on any trip away from home.
Another important tip when sharing custody and parenting time during the holidays as a co-parent in San Diego is communication. Have a plan for how and when each child may or will communicate with the other co-parent. Are there open lines of communication such as phone conversations, texting or emailing? Our Family Court stresses that it is in the best interest of a child to have ongoing, open and quality communication with both co-parents at all times. This is especially important during the holiday season.
If the other parent is going to take the children out of the area, make sure you have a copy of the children’s itinerary as well as information about the specific places they will be visiting and when to expect their return. It is always best to have these plans in writing to ensure compliance with existing orders and to keep open communications between the co-parents throughout the holidays.
Sharing custody and travel during the holidays as a co-parent is challenging. If you have questions, we invite you to protect your own interests and contact us or call 760-389-3927 to schedule an appointment for a remote or socially distanced consultation with one of our experienced Certified Family Law Specialists.