Parenting Time Remix– Summer Edition

Last fall, we covered parenting time and child custody during the holidays and mentioned some very common schedules, such as alternating holidays by even and odd years. For example, the kids may have Thanksgiving and Easter with Mom in even years, spending Halloween and Christmas with Dad. During odd years, Mom will have Halloween and Christmas while dad enjoys Easter and Thanksgiving.

Holidays during the year may also be split according to a parent’s beliefs, which may allow for a fixed schedule. For example, if Mom is Jewish but Dad is Christian, Dad may have the children every Christmas and Easter while Mom has the children each Passover and Hanukkah. However, the summer can get particularly challenging due to the secular nature of its holidays.

Summer Holidays and Vacations

Summer holidays can disrupt prior arrangements but the same principles apply in terms of alternating years for holiday schedules. This includes summer holidays, namely Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. I'd even add Juneteenth, which is now a federal holiday, and many businesses close in observance. Subsequently, allowing families more time to spend together.

Summer is also the season for vacations which may require travel and extended overnight stays. Vacations can be out of state, or possibly out of the country. We encourage our clients to keep an open dialogue with the other co-parent, to avoid any misunderstandings with planning. Parents should coordinate travel plans to avoid any overlap. Plus, the other parent should be made aware of plans to travel outside of New Jersey.

For international travel, both parents must be present to apply for a passport for a child less than 16 years of age. In case one parent is unable to attend the interview, he or she may supply a notarized copy of Form DS-3053 from the Department of State. You must also carry a consent form, signed and notarized by the parent who is not traveling with the parent. It should contain all identifying information, an indication of knowledge of said travel plans, and their acceptance/consent of same. The government does not have an official form but templates are available online. Law Depot provides free templates for both domestic and international travel.

If you have any questions about parenting time or custody, contact us today to schedule your consultation.