Summer break: that unstructured stretch of the year. Without proper planning, it has the potential to become a parenting debacle. In this article, I will discuss how an upcoming divorce might change current plans and set future guidelines for summer vacation custody, even if you and your spouse will no longer live close to each other. While reading, please keep in mind that this information is not intended as advice to apply to any specific case. Your final custody agreement should be the result of a detailed discussion of your individual situation.
Addressing Immediate Concerns
Start with any upcoming vacations. Some of the summer plans you have made could still work, but others may not make sense while going through a divorce. You would probably want to re-examine anything that takes your spouse or your children out of the country.
Thinking About the Future
Illinois law is relatively lenient with parenting/custody agreements. As long as you and your spouse agree, and as long as the agreement is in the best interests of your children, a judge would probably approve your plan. That freedom comes with a caveat: You should include any terms you want the court to have the power to enforce.
Assigning Travel Costs Away From Cook or Lake County
Among your concerns may be travel costs of where a child may be spending time with a parent who lives in a different state. Who pays for the chaperone’s transit tickets if your children are not old enough to travel alone? Where does the chaperone stay and who pays for that?
Courts may assign these costs during contested custody hearings, but you could assign them as you like in your agreement. You may also want to determine who plans travel and purchases tickets for older children, along with specific reimbursement schedules and methods between you and your spouse.
Determining Summer Activities
Your divorce agreement could also delineate what happens once your children arrive at the summer parent’s home. You may want to include official requirements for attending summer school programs, camps, religious observances, daycare or other, similar opportunities for socialization and peer contact.
If you are the residential parent, this planning stage is probably the best chance you have to promote continuity and comfort for your children while they are on extended summer visitation. You may also want your parenting plans to include communications schedules and provisions for quality of life at your ex’s home.
Contact Me
Some people prefer trading off summer breaks every year. Some opt for alternative arrangements in lieu of summer vacation custody. Your parenting/custody terms should be as unique as your family — and they should change with your developing needs. You deserve an agreement that works for you.
Call (312) 621-5234 to schedule a consultation.
