Co-Parenting Tips for the Summer Holidays
It is that time again when everyone starts asking that all important question “what are you doing in the Summer holidays?” For separated or divorced parents who are thinking about how to juggle work, arrange child care as well as agreeing the best way for each parent to spend quality time with their children, this can be just one more admin task to add to the ever-growing list.
Here at Hartlaw we thought it might help you to have some tips for tackling the logistics, so that you can look forward to relaxing during those long summer holidays…
- Plan Early –
It almost sounds too obvious but the more in advance that you can plan things, the better. It is easy to put off those difficult conversations and bury your head in the proverbial sand (pun intended). It really is better to give as much notice as possible and opportunity for discussion. Aiming for a framework with a degree of flexibility will benefit everyone, not least the children.
- Permission –
Whilst holidays in the UK do not require the other parent’s consent, we strongly urge asking for this as a matter of courtesy and good communication. Holidays abroad on the other hand – do require consent from everyone who has parental responsibility (PR), so ensure you have this before you travel to avoid drama and disappointment at passport control.
- Summer Schedules
There are some fantastic resources out there for putting together a scheduling template, so that you can work out where the children are and when, thus avoiding double bookings and keeping direct communication to a minimum, if this is difficult. National Family Mediation (www.ngm.org.uk) have a free Summer parenting schedule that you can adapt. There are also apps such as Our Family wizard that, for a small charge, provide a digital platform to share those all-important dates and communications.
- The Rules are there ain’t no Rules
(so said ‘Grease’, the film, not the country). When it comes to deciding how to best share the holidays there are no hard and fast rules and each family can make its own decision based on what works best for them but most importantly the children. Being creative, flexible and compromising is key.
- If you’re stuck
Mediation is a great resource for resolving issues that can’t be communicated and negotiated between parents. There is currently a £500 mediation voucher scheme available to each person. Accredited mediators are usually family lawyers who are used to providing guidance on ways forward.
Our family team here at Hartlaw has both trained Mediators and Family Lawyers, who would be pleased to assist you with any issues you may have.
If you would like to discuss these issues in more detail, or would like any further guidance or support in discussing arrangements for your children and finding a solution that works for your family, please contact one of the family team at Hartlaw who offer a free initial consultation. Email Katie@hartlaw.co.uk or telephone the office on 01937 547000.
