Summer Parenting Plans: How To Prevent Disputes In Your Virginia Custody Case
School lets out, schedules change, and suddenly the parenting plan that worked perfectly during the school year stops making sense. For divorced and separated parents in Virginia, summer is one of the most common times for custody conflicts to flare up.
Getting the details right before summer arrives is far easier than going back to court. Our experienced Virginia child custody attorney explains common disputes and how to keep things running smoothly.
Common Disputes in Virginia Summer Parenting Plans
In general, Virginia child custody orders focus on the school year. They account for weekday pickups, homework schedules, and consistent routines, which often don’t apply in the summer months.
Under Virginia Code Section 20-124.2, courts encourage parents to resolve scheduling disputes cooperatively and to support each other’s relationship with their children. Creating a Virginia parenting plan specific to the summer season can help prevent disputes over the following:
- Vacation timing;
- Camp and activity enrollment;
- Extended visits;
- Childcare arrangements;
- Holiday overlap, such as the Fourth of July.
These disputes don’t have to end up in court. You can avoid it with a specific, written summer schedule that both parents understand and agree to in advance.
Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Virginia Summer Parenting Plan
The Virginia Family Court encourages parents to use mediation as an alternative to litigation when custody disputes arise, and summer scheduling conflicts are no exception. Courts consistently approve parenting agreements that parents reach together, and a clear summer plan is one of the most practical ways to keep your family out of court during what should be an enjoyable time of year.
To protect yourself and your children this summer, consider the following:
- Put the summer schedule in writing as a modification or addendum to your existing custody order.
- Address childcare specifically, including who is responsible for finding and paying for summer care.
- Give each the first right of refusal, meaning that if one parent cannot care for the child during their scheduled time, the other parent has the option.
- Set a firm deadline, such as 30 or 60 days before the last day of school, by which both parents must submit and confirm vacation plans.
- Specify how each parent communicates with the child during vacations and extended visits with the other parent.
- Include a simple dispute resolution step, such as a phone call followed by mediation, before either parent is permitted to file a motion with the court.
Taking these steps now gives both parents a clear roadmap and gives your children the stability they need to enjoy their summer.
For Help With Summer Schedules, Contact Our Experienced Virginia Child Custody Attorney Today
A good summer parenting plan does not happen by accident. At Schwartz Kalina, PLLC, our experienced Virginia child custody attorney helps parents draft custody arrangements that are clear, specific, and built to hold up when schedules get complicated.
To request a consultation with our experienced Virginia child custody attorney, call or contact us online today.
Sources:
law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title20/chapter6.1/section20-124.2/
selfhelp.vacourts.gov/page/13/custody-visitation-support
