Custody arrangements may vary from family to family, but there are some basic options if you’re in Utah. You can find more information on our blog HERE, and today we’ll look at some of the options for child custody arrangements during the summer.
Is Custody the Same Year-Round?
If you’re fortunate enough to have a good relationship with your co-parent, you may discuss making changes to your physical custody agreement for the summer. Your current arrangements may work well during the school year, but sometimes summer plans throw a wrench in the gears. While custody arrangements are typically made and kept long-term, it’s essential to be flexible when it’s in the best interest of the child(ren).
Plan Ahead for Smooth Sailing
If you aren’t in a position to make changes to your custody agreement, be sure you plan summer vacations or activities for the time you will have your children physically in your home. Otherwise, you risk disrupting your co-parenting relationship and creating unnecessary stress on your family members. This may mean that you hold off on your road trip until it’s your turn to have the kids, even if you’re itching to go.
But what should you do if an opportunity arises that you just can’t pass up? Do you have any legal recourse for making amendments to summer custody plans? In general, most states do not allow changes to be made to a custody agreement unless there are significant changes in each parent’s circumstances or those of the child. However, some custody agreements can be made with built-in freedom for parents to discuss modifications based on work and school schedule changes.
When A Judge Must Sign Off
If your current arrangement does not permit for changes to be made between co-parents without mediation, you need to have a judge’s signature to switch custody days. If one parent is unable or unwilling to switch days in the summer, taking the amendment to court may be necessary. Or, if you’re planning to travel outside state lines, the trip may need a judge’s approval even if each co-parent agrees.
Tips for Making Summer Custody Arrangements
As always, be sure you have the kids’ best interests in mind when making summer custody plans. Be sure that when the children divide their time between both parents, there’s adequate structure, supervision, and socialization. Remember that while it may be inconvenient at times to have kids with you when they’re on a break but you still have to work, summer is a time for kids to unwind and be free.
EXAMPLES OF SUMMER CUSTODY ARRANGEMENTS
Your individual needs may vary, but here are some examples of a summer schedule you can keep with your co-parent.
- Two weeks on, two weeks off
- Alternating weeks
- 2-2-3 day schedule (2 days with Parent A, 2 days with Parent B, 3 days with Parent A)
- 2-2-5-5 day schedule
- 3-4-4-3 day schedule
If your summer vacation plans mean you need extra time with your kids, discuss arrangements for your co-parent to make up those days or weeks if necessary. Above all else, do what’s best for your children, even if that means sacrificing your time.
Communicate
Talk with your co-parent and your children about summer expectations before school lets out. Be sure everyone is on the same page about the day-to-day activities as well as bigger travel plans. Before you purchase plane tickets or book hotels along your road trip route, communicate your potential travel dates with your co-parent so you’re not working against each other this summer. It’s unfair to make your children choose which family vacation to go on if you and your co-parent happen to plan overlapping trips.
Schedule Child Care Now
Before you know it, babysitters and daycare providers will be full for summer. If you need childcare while you’re working and the kids are out of school, discuss options with your co-parent and your children now. You may need to get creative and find an activity that’s easily accessible for both you and your co-parent to make drop-off and pick-up easier for everyone.
If a traditional daycare center won’t work for you, look into recreation center programs, National Park camps, theater camps, or Girl/Boy Scout camps. Your local library may also offer day clinics that can supplement childcare and ensure your children have stimulating activities and adult supervision while you’re working.
Put Everything in Writing
Once you’ve sussed out the details, get everything in writing. Even the best-laid plans can be derailed, but if you have a written agreement for your summer plants, it’s easier to enforce.
If you have questions about physical custody and legal custody, don’t hesitate to reach out to Rulon Burton and Associates. Our practice areas include divorce and family law, and we serve as advocates for families as they try to figure out their new normal.