Spring break is often a welcome bit of time off for kids. It is also often the start of warm weather, traveling, and sports seasons. All of these factors can contribute to the confusion that comes around spring break and custody agreements. If you are in a custody agreement with your child’s other parent, always follow the specific details within that court order.
If you are unsure what spring break custody agreement rules are in your case or you want to change those factors, contact our legal team at Ziegler Law Group, LLC. As a local New Jersey family law firm, we know the importance of getting these details right.
How to Handle Vacation Schedules and Child Custody Agreements?
Your first step is to follow New Jersey child custody laws. That is, follow any court order in place. If you or your spouse have specific rules about time off from school, that typically includes spring break. Some custody agreements have very specific rules in place for these days, while others do not.
When you wish to take a vacation during spring break, and you may have shared custody or other requirements in your custody agreement, you will need to seek modifications. If you and the other parent can agree to terms, then modification of custody agreements is often easier to do.
That does not always happen. There are many instances in which a parent may not be in agreement with not seeing their child during court-ordered periods of time. You can petition the court to require them to adjust this schedule, but that may not be feasible, and the court may not honor the request.
Tips for Modifying Custody Agreements for Special Travel Requests
In situations where you want to make changes to the custody schedule for high-net-worth parents, there are a few ways that you can make the process a bit less frustrating and more effective. Consider these tips:
- Communicate in the best way possible. Open communication and clarity of your needs may open the door to flexibility. In some situations, there may not be any reasonable way to convince the other party to work with you, and that means you may not be able to move forward with the changes.
- Offer a compromise. If you want to have the child for spring break, consider providing an opportunity for the other parent to have an alternative time for a vacation, such as in the summer months, when it should be your time with your child. Find a way to compromise that works for your situation.
- Provide insight into the benefits of the child. When making a request like this, focus on what it means to the child and the value that the arrangement could offer. Do not focus on how it helps you, but rather, allow your child to have a unique experience.
- Be flexible. Another key factor to remember is that flexibility works both ways. If you want your child’s other parent to co-parent with you with more flexible scheduling, then be willing to offer the same to them. There are times when plans change or running late happens. Be tolerant of those moments when you can.
- Avoid confrontation that puts the child at risk. If there are disagreements related to child custody or visitation, keep them between you and the other parent and perhaps your child custody attorney.
When spring break, parenting time is meant to be a time for the other spouse to bond with the child with whom they are not living. It can be hard to convince the court to take that time away and give it to you. That is why, whenever possible, you should consider alternatives to going to court. If you can find a way to work together, do so.
International Travel Concerns and Legal Restrictions
Taking a child out of the country without the other parent’s permission can be disastrous to your future ability to maintain custody of that child. Many custody agreements have very specific language about international travel, even forbidding it if it is not in the best interest of the child and agreed upon with the other parent.
If your child will be traveling out of the country, even if it is during your visitation or parenting time, make sure you communicate that with the other parent. You may even want to have them sign that they recognize and approve of you taking the child out of the country. Otherwise, you could be facing a child abduction charge. The state recommends getting a letter of consent that is notarized to protect you in these situations.
If there are valid reasons to travel out of the country, but the child’s other parent does not want you to do so, it may be possible to seek a court allowance for the matter. The court is always going to do what is in the best interests of the child, which is why it is critical for you to demonstrate that this type of travel is worthwhile, especially if it is outside the custody schedule for high-net-worth parents.
No matter what, avoid just taking the child out of the country. Be sure you have spoken to an attorney about this decision as well.
Why Working with a Skilled Toms River, New Jersey Child Custody Lawyer at Zeigler Law Group, LLC Is Essential
Handling these difficult decisions can be done with more confidence when you work with a Toms River child custody lawyer. For high-income parents and child custody matters, having a legal team you can turn to who has ample experience and a solid understanding of your need to spend time with your child is critical. Take a few minutes now to seek out a consultation with our team. At Zeigler Law Group, LLC, a lawyer is always working on your behalf to minimize risk and ensure the protection of your rights. Seek out a free consultation to discuss your needs with our legal team today. Call 732-361-4827 or contact us online. Located in Toms River, Red Bank, Princeton, and Mount Laurel, New Jersey, we serve clients in the surrounding areas, including Ocean County, Monmouth County, Mercer County, and Burlington County.