With school summer holidays just a couple of months away, many parents will be starting to think about arrangements for their children over the upcoming break.

School holidays can disrupt a parenting agreement between separated couples, and ex-partners often need to make separate arrangements to cover the extended break.

However, agreeing child holiday arrangements with an ex-spouse or partner can be difficult.

In this blog, our specialist Child Solicitors in Blackheath answer some frequently asked questions about child contact agreements over the holidays and give their top tips on how to reach an agreement with an ex-partner.

How do you agree child holiday arrangements with an ex-partner?

Without a court order setting out what should happen and when, child contact arrangements over the summer holidays are generally left up to separated parents to agree between themselves.

However, with work commitments, financial pressures, existing holiday plans, and communication difficulties all coming into play, finding a solution that works for everyone can be easier said than done.

The following tips can help:

• Plan ahead. The sooner separated parents start to think about what should happen with their children over the school holidays, the better. Most schools release term dates a year or so in advance, giving parents plenty of advance warning and time to plan. Starting conversation with an ex-partner about children’s holidays in good time increases the likelihood of reaching an agreement in good time and avoids any last-minute stress.
• Focus on your children. Remembering that you both have your children’s best interests at heart and that their well-being is a priority will ensure discussions remain on track.
• Communicate openly. It is easy for emotions to get in the way of discussions between ex-partners, but communicating in a positive way is crucial if parents are to reach an agreement. Being upfront about existing plans and focusing on practical arrangements can help separated couples agree on holiday contact arrangements.
• Be flexible. Having existing holiday plans and other commitments is commonplace, particularly during the summer break. Being flexible and willing to compromise is vital for productive conversation and will increase the chances of an agreement being reached.

What if I can’t agree on child holiday arrangements with my ex?

If ex-partners can’t agree child contact arrangements for the holidays between themselves, they should seek specialist help.

Mediation is particularly useful in family disputes and can be extremely useful to help separated parents manage various arrangements, including agreeing on holiday plans for children.

Separating couples sit down – either separately or together – with a neutral, professionally trained, independent third-party (a mediator) to help them reach agreement.

Mediation is quicker, less stressful and more cost-effective than a lengthy court dispute. For tips for effective mediation, read our previous blog by clicking here.

If negotiations break down entirely, a specialist family law solicitor with experience in child law matters will be able to help.

A child law solicitor can apply to the court for a child arrangement order (CAO), which can specify various arrangements for children, including provision for what happens over the holidays.

If you need legal advice about child contact arrangements over the holiday, or need to speak to a solicitor about another legal issue regarding your children, get in touch with Beverley Morris & Co. Solicitors who will advise on the best way to proceed.

To speak to one of our friendly child law solicitors, call 020 8852 4433 or email enquiries@beverleymorris.co.uk.

Do I need permission from my ex-partner to take my child abroad?

If you want to take your child abroad over the summer holidays, or any other time, you must get permission from everyone who has parental responsibility, or from the court.

If you are travelling abroad, you should take with you a written letter from your ex-partner that shows they consent. This should include their contact details and details of the trip.

It may also be helpful to take with you evidence of your relationship to the child and a divorce or marriage certificate, particularly if your surname is different from your child’s.

Child Law Solicitors Blackheath

Our child law solicitors in Blackheath provide legal advice and services for a broad spectrum of legal matters relating to children and child disputes.

We understand how stressful disputes involving children can be for all involved.

Beverley Morris & Co. Solicitors have extensive experience in a wide range of child law matters including:

• Child Arrangements.
• Residence Orders.
• Contact Orders.
• Parental Responsibility Agreements.
• Changes of Name and Adoption.
• International or National Relocation.
• Child Support and Child Maintenance Agreements.
• Co-Parenting.
• Non-Return of Children.

If you have a family law query regarding child arrangements, get in touch with Beverley Morris & Co. Solicitors for constructive and practical legal advice.

To speak to one of our friendly specialist child law solicitors, call 020 8852 4433 or email enquiries@beverleymorris.co.uk.

Alternatively, click here to arrange a call back.