Co-Parenting During the Summer: Tips for Navigating Custody and Vacation Planning
Summer is a season filled with excitement, fun, and an anticipated break from school routines. Although for co-parents, it can also bring stress if communication and planning are not handled properly. Navigating summer schedules, vacations, and travel plans requires cooperation, communication, and a child-focused mindset.
Start Planning Early and Put Everything in Writing
Whether you are looking to enroll your child in summer camp, take a family vacation, or adjust weekly schedules, early communication with your co-parent is key. Review your custody agreement (if you have one) to see if there are any special provisions for summer parenting time. Some agreements include deadlines for notifying the other parent about planned vacations, limitations on the length or timing of trips, or specific procedures for resolving scheduling disputes. Whenever a change to the parenting schedule is proposed, it is best to get the agreement in writing. Even a simple confirmation via email or text message can help prevent confusion and disagreement later.
Know the Rules About Out-of-State Travel (Even for a Day Trip)
One of the most important points to remember is that in most states, you cannot take your child out-of-state without the other parent’s permission – even for a day trip. Many parents assume that if there is no overnight stay or if there is no formal court order, they are free to travel across state lines during their parenting time. This is not the case. Many states, including New Jersey and Pennsylvania, have laws that prohibit a parent from removing a child from the state without the consent of the other parent, and this applies whether or not a custody order has been issued by a Court.
For example, driving from Pennsylvania to the Jersey Shore for a beach day or from New Jersey to New York for a family gathering may seem harmless. However, if you do not have clear written permission from your co-parent, that harmless day trip could be considered a violation of your custody arrangement or worse, a violation of state law. In New Jersey, interfering with custody by taking a child out-of-state without permission may constitute an offense under N.J.S.A. § 2C:13-4 or N.J.S.A. § 9:2-2. Similarly, in Pennsylvania, doing so could trigger liability under 18 Pa.C.S. § 2904. Even without a court order, both parents typically have equal custodial rights by default, so taking the child across state lines without the other parent’s consent could be interpreted as custodial interference.
To protect yourself and your child, always obtain the other parent’s written consent before leaving the state. Be transparent: share details about where you are going, how long you will be gone, and how the other parent can contact the child during the trip. If your custody order includes specific requirements for travel or advance notice, follow those accordingly.
Prioritize the Child’s Schedule
Throughout the summer, always keep your child’s best interest, including their schedule, at the forefront. Vacation plans should not interfere with the other parent’s scheduled parenting time unless agreed upon. Be mindful of your child’s comfort, routines, and relationships, especially when planning long or out-of-town trips.
Use Technology to Stay Organized
Technology can be a great asset in managing summer schedules. There are many co-parenting applications that can be used or even a simple shared calendar can help both parents stay organized and informed. These tools also provide written records of communication and agreements, which can be helpful if issues arise.
Be Flexible and Cooperative
Flexibility is a must in co-parenting relationships. Plans change, emergencies happen, and sometimes accommodations are needed. If your co-parent asks for a schedule swap to accommodate a family reunion or trip, consider being open to that request. A little cooperation now can go a long way toward building goodwill for the future. Courts and Judges tend to evaluate custody matters based on the child’s best interest, and favor parents who demonstrate flexibility, reasonableness, and a willingness to co-parent effectively.
