Summer is on its way, which means the children will be out of school and ready for summer vacation. This freedom is exciting for them, but it may be stressful for parents who are trying to sort out a summer child custody agreement. Many Texas parents have been able to reduce their stress by following some simple advice.

A good way to work out an agreement with the child’s other parent is to form a plan in advance. Examining one’s summer schedule right now and then deciding in advance when to take the children on vacation makes it easier when the time comes. It prevents the other parent from being caught unaware, and gives them time to plan their own trip around yours. A sixty-day notice is usually expected, per the prearranged parenting plan.

Communication is also extremely important. A child custody modification may be necessary for the summer months, but negotiating that plan can be difficult. Setting aside time to discuss travel plans clearly and succinctly is in the child’s best interest, and it can help turn their summer break into the fun adventure they are expecting. It is a good idea to try to keep an open mind when discussing summer plans. The more reasonable each parent is, the easier it will be to find common ground.

There are times when even the best plans fail, and legal counsel may be required. An attorney may be able to offer advice about parenting issues such as relocations, paternity suits and international and domestic child abductions.

Related Posts: Important documents in child custody disputes, The challenges and advantages of parallel parenting, How ‘birdnesting’ may make shared custody easier post-divorce, Responsibilities custodial parents may have