Last Updated on December 17, 2025 by Sheen Ancog
The holiday season is one of the most exciting—and most stressful—times of the year for divorced or separated parents. Between school breaks, family gatherings, and out-of-state travel, navigating travel plans with children can quickly become complicated. Whether you’re planning a ski trip to the mountains or visiting relatives across the country, understanding your rights and responsibilities is essential.
As a family law firm dedicated to supporting Colorado parents, Divorce Matters helps families prepare for a smooth and conflict-free holiday season.
Check Your Parenting Plan First
Before booking flights or mapping out a road trip, review your court-approved parenting plan. Many Colorado parenting plans include specific language about:
- Holiday rotations
- Travel restrictions
- Required notice for out-of-state trips
- Passport arrangements (for international travel)
If your agreement specifies who gets the children for Christmas or New Year’s, these terms override normal weekly parenting schedules. Ignoring these provisions can cause disputes—or even lead to legal consequences.
If your plan is vague about holiday travel, Divorce Matters can help you update or clarify terms to avoid conflict.
Give Plenty of Notice to the Other Parent
Most parenting plans require “reasonable notice” before taking children out of state or overnight for holidays. Even if yours doesn’t, providing notice builds trust and reduces tension.
Be sure to share:
- Travel dates
- Flight numbers
- Lodging information
- Emergency contact details
- Names of adults traveling with the child
Open communication protects your parental rights and helps keep kids safe.
Know When You Need Permission
In Colorado, parents traveling with children—especially out of state—must often obtain the other parent’s consent. This is especially important if:
- The parenting plan includes a travel consent requirement
- You share joint decision-making
- You’re taking an international trip
- The child does not have a passport or previously required both signatures
If the other parent refuses unreasonably, you may need court intervention. A family law attorney can help file for a motion to travel to ensure your plans stay on track.
Plan for Communication and Virtual Visits
Holiday travel doesn’t mean a child should lose contact with the other parent. Courts expect both parents to support ongoing communication—even during trips.
Consider arranging:
- Scheduled FaceTime or Zoom calls
- Daily text check-ins
- Photo updates
- Shared itineraries
This reassures the other parent while showing the court you prioritize co-parenting cooperation.
Prepare Travel Documents Early
Nothing ruins holiday joy faster than a passport issue or missing consent form. Before leaving, ensure you have:
- Child’s passport (valid for entire travel period)
- Notarized travel consent letter, if required
- Medical consent forms
- Health insurance cards
- Parenting plan copies
These documents help avoid delays at airports and border checkpoints.
Put Your Child’s Needs First
Holiday travel can be exciting, but it can also be exhausting for kids—especially those adjusting to a new family dynamic. Keep the focus on what’s best for them by:
- Minimizing rushed transitions
- Avoiding hostile exchanges with the other parent
- Maintaining routines as much as possible
- Allowing downtime between events or flights
Supporting your child’s emotional wellbeing plays a major role in successful co-parenting during the holidays.
When Travel Disputes Arise
If the other parent is blocking travel, not following the holiday schedule, or violating your parenting plan, don’t wait. Holiday conflicts often require quick legal action—and courts get busy this time of year.
Common issues include:
- One parent denying consent for out-of-state travel
- Attempts to change holiday schedules last-minute
- Failure to return a child on time
- Disagreements about international travel safety
Working with family law attorneys who handle holiday parenting disputes can help protect your rights and avoid escalation.
Need Help With Holiday Travel Parenting Issues? Divorce Matters Is Here for You
Holiday travel should create meaningful memories—not legal headaches. If you’re facing travel disputes, need to modify your parenting plan, or want guidance on Colorado’s holiday custody laws, Divorce Matters can help you protect your rights and your child’s best interests. Contact Divorce Matters today to speak with a Colorado family law attorney.