The long summer holidays can be a joyful time for children - full of sunshine, travel, and a break from school routines. But for separated or divorced parents, this period often brings a great deal of stress, particularly when trying to agree on who the children should be with, and when.
We regularly advise parents who find themselves at odds over summer holiday arrangements. These disputes can surface even where term-time contact has been working smoothly.
Holiday plans, work schedules, and differing expectations frequently lead to tension. Both parents understandably want to make the most of this time with their children, and finding a fair solution isn’t always straightforward.
It is important to recognise that holiday arrangements are not always dictated by term-time patterns and the Family Court expect parents to take a fair and balanced approach, keeping the children’s best interests at the centre of any discussions. Where international travel is involved – even just for a short break - written consent from the other parent is (in most cases) essential. Without it, the travelling parent could find themselves facing serious legal consequences.
If parents cannot reach agreement, there are various circumstances wherein the Family Court can be asked to intervene. However, we always encourage early resolution, whether through solicitor-led negotiation or mediation. This not only reduces conflict but can often avoid the need for court involvement altogether.
Our strong advice is not to leave discussions about the holidays to the last minute. The sooner a potential issue is identified, the greater the range of options available to resolve it quickly and effectively.
If this summer is proving difficult and agreement seems out of reach, we are here to help. Contact our matrimonial department today on 0161 928 3201.
