When it comes to taking your child on vacation, it can be difficult to determine what is right and wrong when you have joint custody. While you want to have fun with your child, you don’t want to step on any toes!
In most cases, the best way to determine what’s okay is to look to your court ordered parenting agreement. Parenting agreements will often set forth some rules around taking your kids on vacation. If it is during your parenting time, there likely won’t be any issues with taking your child on vacation! However, if you would like to take your child on vacation during a time you would not usually have them, things may be a little more complicated. your ex legally has rights to your child during that time, so it would be very important to get permission from your ex to have your children during this time period. It may be a good idea to get their permission in writing, just in case you encounter any issues.
There may be some parameters set forth in the parenting agreement regarding vacations, for example, letting your ex know if your will be taking your child out of the country. It may also be a good idea to provide your ex with an itinerary, so they know what dates you will be gone! An important thing to remember is to treat your ex how you would want to be treated. If you would want to know when your children go on vacation, extend your ex the same courtesy!
In the end, the most important thing to remember is to follow the parenting plan. That should be your guideline for any and everything involving custody issues! When in doubt, check the parenting agreement!
